Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is a common but annoying symptom. It is often hard for someone to pinpoint the exact cause of abdominal pain. The concern is many abdominal symptoms can be signs of serious medical problems. The first step in diagnosing the cause of the pain is deciphering the exact location and type of pain.
Generalized Abdominal Pain
Generalized pain is defined as pain occurring in at least half of the affected area. Generalized abdominal pain can occur with many different illnesses and will usually go away without medical treatment.
Possible ailments causing generalized abdominal pain:
- Indigestion
- Stomach Flu
- Bowel Obstruction
Localized Abdominal Pain
Localized pain is pain that occurs in a specific area of the abdomen. This type of pain is usually a sign of a more serious problem that requires a doctor.
Possible ailments causing localized abdominal pain:
- Appendicitis
- Gallbladder Disease
Cramping Abdomen
Cramping can be a quite painful occurance but is generally not serious. Gas or menstrual periods are the main causes of cramping. However, if your cramp becomes localized or lasts more than 24 hours, it's time to contact a doctor for medical attention.
Other Possible Causes of Abdominal Pain
- Perforation
- Torsion of the testicle or ovary
- Kidney Stone
- Gallbladder Disease
- Aortic Aneurysm
- Certain Medicines
- Ovarian Cancer
