Abdominal Pain

Pain in the abdomen can range from mild discomfort to agony. There are many causes of abdominal pain. Most are not serious but others may be an indication of serious injury, such as internal bleeding, of a potential medical emergency such as appendicitis or a stomach ulcer, or of problems with the muscles, for example, a hernia or muscle strain. If stomach pain in an infant is accompanied by fever, diarrhea or vomiting, seek prompt medical advice.

Causes of Abdominal Pain

• Excessive gas
• Indigestion
• Bladder infections
• Endometriosis
• Sickle cell crisis
• Excess fructose or sorbitol ingestion
• Food allergy
• Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
• Chronic constipation

Symptoms of Abdominal Pain

• Be sharp, dull, stabbing, cramp-like, twisting or fit many other descriptions
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is associated with gallstones, some medications, or heavy alcohol intake.
• Make you throw up (vomit)
• Pneumonia may be associated with fever, coughing, and shortness of breath.
• Gallstones cause crampy pain in the right upper portion of the abdomen. Pain becomes worse with eating, especially after eating fatty foods.

First Aid For Treating abdominal pain

1. Check the history of the pain to rule out recent injury, potential poisoning or an underlying medical condition.
2. Help the person into a comfortable position and provide a covered hot water bottle to provide some relief from the pain.
3. If the pain is severe or does not ease within half an hour, seek medical advice.

Seek early medical advice or an ambulance if the pain is accompanied by:

• Vomiting red blood (a potential burst stomach ulcer).
• High temperature (possible infection, such as peritonitis, caused by a burst appendix).
• Rigid (inflexible) abdomen (may indicate internal bleeding).
• Signs of shock.