Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can have many causes. The stomach is a sensitive organ, and stomach pain is often related to changes in diet, stress, or other daily factors. Abdominal pain can also result from a stomach infection or food poisoning. Most of the time, symptoms resolve on their own, but medication or a doctor’s assessment may sometimes be necessary. In rare cases, abdominal pain may indicate an internal organ disorder.

Contents:

• Symptoms of Abdominal Pain
• Causes of Abdominal Pain
• Treatment
• Self-Care Instructions
• When to seek medical care?
• How Can Dokport Help?

Symptoms of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can manifest in various ways: it may feel dull, throbbing, sharp, or sudden. It can also appear as cramps or general stomach ache. Often, these are temporary symptoms that go away on their own.

Common symptoms of abdominal pain:

• Diarrhea or constipation
• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Nausea and Vomiting

Causes of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can occur when consuming foods or drinks that the stomach reacts to, such as coffee, alcohol, or certain foods. Smoking and stress can also irritate the stomach. In cases of stomach infection or food poisoning, abdominal pain is often one of the symptoms. Muscle pain or a urinary tract infection may also cause stomach pain.

In women, ovulation and menstrual cramps can lead to abdominal pain, as well as conditions related to the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or uterus. In men, an enlarged prostate may cause pain in the lower abdomen. In rarer cases, abdominal pain may stem from a more serious condition, such as an intestinal infection or an internal organ disorder.

Other possible causes of abdominal pain:

• IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) – may cause pain in the upper abdomen, either on the left or right.
• Stomach ulcer – symptoms vary, but pain is often felt in the upper abdomen.
• Gallstones – cause intense, intermittent pain in the upper abdomen on the right side, below the rib cage.
• Pancreatitis – causes severe pain in the center of the upper abdomen.
• Appendicitis – usually begins around the navel and moves to the lower right abdomen.
• Kidney stones – cause intense pain in the lower abdomen or side.

Treatment

The treatment for abdominal pain depends entirely on its cause. If the pain can be pinpointed to a specific side or to the upper or lower abdomen, this can help the doctor make a diagnosis.

Over-the-counter medications can relieve diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and heartburn. Medical care may include dietary advice, monitoring, laboratory tests, medications, or, if necessary, further examination of the intestines.

Appendicitis is usually treated with antibiotics or surgery. For IBS or stress-related stomach issues, talking with a psychologist can be helpful.

Self-Care Instructions

The stomach benefits from routines, a healthy lifestyle, and sufficient rest and relaxation. You can promote your stomach’s well-being by eating regularly, exercising, and reducing stress.

Ways to reduce the risk of stomach issues:

• Follow a balanced and consistent diet
• Ensure you get adequate, restful sleep
• Reduce stress
• Engage in physical activity

Some medications for constipation or diarrhea are available at pharmacies without prescription.

When to seek medical care?

Seek medical care if abdominal pain is recurring or does not improve on its own. Persistent changes in stool, unexplained weight loss, excessive sweating, blood in the urine, or pain during urination should also be investigated in detail. Seek urgent care if abdominal pain is severe, or if there is bloody vomiting, black or bloody stool.

How Can Dokport Help?

Dokport’s remote doctor appointment makes it easy to get help for mild abdominal issues. Our doctors assess your symptoms via chat, provide treatment guidance, prescribe medication if necessary, recommend follow-up, and can issue sick leave if needed. If the situation requires further examination, we can suggest you to an in-person appointment for evaluation.

Expert: Dr. Anna Sipilä, MD, Associate Professor of Experimental Internal Medicine