Abdominal pain can be classified depending on the specific area. As a rule, the abdominal cavity is divided into four parts, although science distinguishes up to nine zones.
Let’s divide the stomach into the upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left quadrants. Locating the pain will help identify the cause. For example, pain in the upper left quadrant may indicate problems in the stomach, spleen, or part of the colon.
Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints. Often we do not pay attention to this, drink an anesthetic and forget about what could be a harbinger of serious illnesses. Indeed, not a single pain arises just like that… Today we will tell you what can cause various abdominal pains.
The human body is a complex mechanism. Every day, hundreds of factors, including nutrition, the environment, and your emotions, influence how it functions to shape your well-being. For example, there are many causes of abdominal pain that can explain cramping, bloating, severe pain, or other symptoms that bother you. First of all, it is necessary to determine the cause in order to get rid of the consequences as soon as possible.
Most of us are not doctors, which means that we are not well versed in human anatomy to make a diagnosis on our own. Therefore, it is better not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor, especially if abdominal pain gives you serious discomfort and is accompanied by other unpleasant symptoms.
Lactose intolerance
Scientists claim that most adults have lactose intolerance. The body produces lactase to digest milk, but according to WebMD, 40 percent of us stop producing enough at the age of two. If you belong to this group of people, then after consuming dairy products you may experience abdominal pain, bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
This is because your body cannot break down sugar in milk, which enters the colon (and not the bloodstream). Once in the colon, sugar begins to ferment, causing all these symptoms.
Stress
The enteral nervous system, located in the membranes of the hollow organs of the gastrointestinal tract, is connected to your central nervous system. When you are under stress, the body draws blood from the intestines and directs it to the brain and limbs. This means that digestion can slow down, which can lead to stomach problems.
Side effects of medication
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, some medications can cause stomach problems. For example, abdominal pain can be the result of diarrhea, which is a common side effect of antibiotics. Other types of medications can cause constipation, which also lead to abdominal pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen) damage the gastric mucosa, causing it to become inflamed. In other cases, the medicine may prevent food from entering the stomach after you swallow it, increasing the likelihood of acid reflux.
Thyroid problems
The thyroid gland plays such an important role in the body that most people will be surprised to learn how much harm it can cause if it does not function properly. Studies by Chris Sweet, Abhishek Sharma, and George Lipscomb have found a link between abdominal pain, hypothyroidism, nausea, and vomiting.
Gluten Intolerance
Products labeled “gluten free” is found on store shelves now more often, and for good reason. Gluten is a protein found primarily in wheat, barley and rye. And yes, it can really have a negative effect on your health. After eating gluten-containing foods, some people may experience bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. If this problem has affected you, try temporarily reducing or eliminating gluten in order to track its effect on your body.
Urinary tract infection
The urinary tract begins in the kidneys and ends in the urethra, and UTIs can affect the tract at any point. This explains the relationship between UTIs and abdominal pain or, in particular, pelvic pain. Nausea is another common symptom of UTI that can cause indigestion.
Stomach upset
An upset stomach often causes pain in the upper abdomen. It is accompanied by an unnatural feeling of satiety, even at the beginning of the meal, as well as bloating. Although indigestion can be a side effect of digestive diseases. It usually goes away on its own without special medical attention.
Acid reflux
According to the Mayo Clinic, acid reflux occurs when the contents of your stomach begin to return to the esophagus. This is because the hole in the stomach is not working properly. The result is often heartburn. Although acid reflux is quite common, if it is accompanied by abdominal pain, you should definitely talk to your doctor.
Constipation
Constipation occurs in everyone’s life at least once, and can be caused by various factors – stress or dehydration. Because constipation is often accompanied by bloating and a feeling of tension caused by trying to go to the toilet, abdominal pain is a common symptom.
ICP
The movement of the intestine is directly dependent on hormones, so many women suffer from diarrhea several days before and in the first few days of menstruation. Add to this bloating, cramping and nausea, and you get a complete picture of what is happening in your stomach at this time of the month.
Gases
Gases are not only annoying and embarrassing – they can also be quite painful. The abdomen may look and even feel bloated, and touching it can cause pain. Gases do not appear from nowhere – there must be a reason. Possible causes include acid reflux, constipation, intolerance to lactose or gluten.
Food allergy
A food allergy arises from the fact that the body mistakenly takes an ingredient, often protein, as something dangerous. In response, your immune system creates antibodies to fight it. Cramping and abdominal pain are common reactions to shellfish, nuts, milk, peanuts, eggs, fish, and more.
And remember, if you feel bad, then be sure to consult a doctor!
