Why does abdominal pain occur

People who are constipated often have a feeling of being bloated and full, and their abdomen may even become visibly distended.

An ulcer is a sore on the lining of your stomach or first part of the small intestine. Ulcers may cause a burning sensation similar to hunger pangs. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting or heartburn. Abdominal pain caused by pancreatitis , which is inflammation in the pancreas, is a severe and sharp pain occurring in the upper middle of the abdomen that can sometimes radiate to your back or chest.

You may also experience other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and fever. Pancreatitis may occur as either a sudden acute attack or a chronic condition. Abdominal discomfort and tenderness in the lower left abdomen area may be caused by diverticulitis. Occasionally stomach acids travel backward, moving up into the throat. This reflux almost always causes a burning sensation and accompanying pain.

Acid reflux also causes abdominal symptoms, such as bloating or cramps. Learn more here about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of acid reflux.

Vomiting often causes abdominal pain as stomach acids travel backward through the digestive tract, irritating tissues along the way. The physical act of vomiting also may cause abdominal muscles to become sore. A wide range of factors can trigger vomiting, ranging from an intestinal blockage to alcohol poisoning.

Click here to find out more about the many possible causes of vomiting. When the stomach lining becomes inflamed or swollen, pain may occur. Nausea, vomiting, gas, and bloating are other common symptoms of gastritis. Click here to learn more about the why inflammation of the stomach occurs.

When the body is unable to digest food materials, they are broken down by intestinal and stomach bacteria, which release gas in the process. When large amounts of undigested materials are present, a lot of gas is produced, causing pressure and pain. Nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea , and abdominal pain are other symptoms. A person with a food intolerance will have a hypersensitivity to certain foods. Find out more here about the symptoms and causes of food intolerance , and how to prevent a reaction.

When too much waste collects in the bowel, this increases the pressure on the colon, which may cause pain. It can also be a sign of a neurological disorder or a blockage in the intestine.

If constipation persists and is uncomfortable, the person should see a doctor. Click here to learn more about constipation, what causes it, and how to resolve it. Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD is a long-term condition that involves persistent acid reflux. It can cause abdominal pain, heartburn , and nausea. In time, it can lead to complications, such as inflammation of the esophagus. Find out more here about GERD , and how to prevent and treat it. Ulcers or wounds that will not heal tend to cause severe and persistent abdominal pain.

It can also lead to bloating, indigestion , and weight loss. The most common causes of stomach and peptic ulcers are the bacteria H. If you would like to know more about stomach ulcers, click here. Given its chronic nature, the condition may lead to malnutrition , causing weight loss and exhaustion.

It can be a serious condition, but symptoms may not be present all the time, as there will be times of remission. Treatment is available to help people manage the symptoms. Celiac disease happens when a person has an allergy to gluten, a protein found in many grains, such as wheat and barley. It causes inflammation in the small intestine, resulting in pain.

Diarrhea and bloating are also common symptoms. Abdominal pain can be caused by many conditions. However, the main causes are infection, abnormal growths, inflammation, obstruction blockage , and intestinal disorders. Infections in the throat, intestines, and blood can cause bacteria to enter your digestive tract, resulting in abdominal pain.

These infections may also cause changes in digestion, such as diarrhea or constipation. Cramps associated with menstruation are also a potential source of lower abdominal pain, but these are more commonly known to cause pelvic pain.

Diseases that affect the digestive system can also cause chronic abdominal pain. The most common are:. Localized pain is limited to one area of the abdomen. This type of pain is often caused by problems in a particular organ. The most common cause of localized pain is stomach ulcers open sores on the inner lining of the stomach. Cramp-like pain may be associated with diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or flatulence.

In women, it can be associated with menstruation, miscarriage, or reproductive complications. This pain comes and goes, and may go away on its own without treatment. Colicky pain is a symptom of more severe conditions, such as gallstones or kidney stones. This pain occurs suddenly, and may feel like a severe muscle spasm. Mild abdominal pain may go away without treatment. However, in some cases, abdominal pain may warrant a trip to the doctor.

Call if your abdominal pain is severe and associated with trauma from an accident or injury or pressure or pain in your chest. The cause of abdominal pain can be diagnosed through a series of tests. Before ordering tests, your doctor will do a physical examination.

This includes gently pressing on various areas of your abdomen to check for tenderness and swelling. This information, combined with the severity of the pain and its location within the abdomen, will help your doctor determine which tests to order.