Fact Checked
What Is Abdominal Pain
- Abdominal pain, also known as stomach pain, is widespread and can result from various conditions. The stomach or abdominal tract, is situated between the torso and the pelvis.
- It consists of the lower section of the esophagus, the belly, the small, large intestines, the liver, the spleen, the gallbladder, the kidneys, the pancreas, the bladder, and the ureters.
- Pain of the abdomen can target any of these body parts, or can branch out to the abdomen from the torso or pelvis.
Causes of Abdominal Pain
The following are some causes of abdominal pain:
- Obstruction of the bowel (partial or full obstruction that stops intestinal contents from passing correctly;
- Indigestion or colic which babies experience;
- Colon cancer;
- Constipation (decline in the regularity of bowel movements or the occurrence of firm, dehydrated stools);
- Allergy from certain foods;
- Food poisoning;
- Heartburn, unsettled stomach;
- Virus (e.g., bacterial, viral, parasitic);
- Inciting bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease);
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS);
- Gastric cancer; and
- Ulcers.
See Your GP
Phone or see a health care expert if you or the affected casualty has any of the following:
- Abdominal pain that endures more than 6 hours or continues to deteriorate;
- Pain that cases the casualty to stop eating;
- Pain and vomiting more than three times;
- Pain that deteriorates when the casualty tries to walk around;
- Pain that starts everywhere, but then stays in one area, particularly the lower abdomen;
- If the casualty is in pain and can’t urinate or pass bowels;
- Any other aching that feels different from a normal stomachache;
- Any pain that is a reason for concern; and
- Pain accompanied with vaginal blood loss or pregnancy, even if the casualty thinks she may be pregnant.