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Abdominal pain can have many causes. How can you tell if a stomach ache is a symptom of a minor ailment or a symptom of a he alth problem? Depending on the symptoms of abdominal pain, you can indicate its cause. Meet 10 different types of abdominal pain. We explain what each means and how you can help yourself.

Abdominal painmay be a symptom of a serious medical condition. More specificcauses of abdominal painare indicated by the accompanying symptoms, e.g. nausea, diarrhea, fever. Another clue is where the pain is located in the abdomen.

Abdominal pain - possible causes

Symptoms: Abdominal cramps or pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, weakness.

  • It could be stomach flu, food poisoning

What to do: Don't take anti-nausea or anti-diarrheal medications. Drink a lot to prevent dehydration. After 2-3 days, when the vomiting has subsided, eat boiled potatoes, rice, light broth. Rest, take naps. Stomach flu is a viral infection of the digestive tract and usually wears off after a few days. If the pain or vomiting increases - see a doctor.

Note! If your symptoms include double vision, difficulty speaking, and difficulty swallowing, it could be botulism, a life-threatening condition.

Symptoms: Pain or cramps, diarrhea, pus in the stools, bloody stools, fever, weight loss.

  • This could be ulcerative colitis

What to do: Report to the doctor quickly. Avoid dehydration or nutrient deficiency, avoid foods that irritate the gut (spicy, high in fiber, wheat products, dairy products, eggs, alcohol, coffee), do not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, reduce stress.

Symptoms: Pain and cramps after drinking milk, flatulence and gas, diarrhea, "rumbling" in the abdomen.

  • It could be lactose intolerance (protein in cow's milk)

What to do: Don't drink milk, don't eat anything containing cow's milk. Drink soy milk, kefirs, yoghurts. The use of lactase can be effective.

Symptoms: Abdominal pain with diarrhea or constipation, streaks of mucus in stools, gas, nausea after meals, fatigue.

  • It could be irritable bowel syndrome, severe stress

What to do: Reportsee your doctor to do some tests. Write down what you eat to find out what (e.g. broccoli, cabbage, spicy foods, sweeteners) is causing the unwanted symptoms. Limit your fat intake. Eat 4-5 meals a day to help digestion. Do not smoke. If stress is causing trouble, try to relax.

Symptoms: Severe lower back pain which radiates to the groin or abdomen, frequent or painful urination, urine dark, foul-smelling or bloody, nausea and vomiting, excessive sweating.

  • It could be an attack of kidney colic or kidney stones

What to do: Take a painkiller, but not aspirin. And see a doctor as soon as possible. Drink plenty of water to help expel the stone.

Symptoms: Tenderness or pain in the abdomen (and / or groin) when rising, leaning forward, bulging or lump under the skin on the abdomen (groin).

  • It could be an abdominal hernia

What to do: See a doctor as soon as possible. Some types of hernias need to be operated quickly. Do not strain or lift heavy objects. If the hernia does not require surgery immediately, make sure you are of a he althy weight to relieve pressure on the abdominal muscles.

If you have trouble having a bowel movement, ask your doctor for a laxative. Do not smoke, avoid smoky rooms. Coughing promotes the expansion of the hernia and its recurrence. Exercise to strengthen your abdominal muscles - but only a doctor can prescribe a set of exercises.

Abdominal pain on the right side

Symptoms: Pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen, increasing with age, fatigue, fever, nausea and vomiting. Occasionally dark urine, light stools, yellowing of the whites of the eyes and skin.

  • It could be hepatitis, pancreatic cancer

What to do: See your primary care physician as soon as possible.

READ ALSO: What else could be the causes of abdominal pain on the right side?

Abdominal pain on the left side

Symptoms: Cramping abdominal pain and pain worsening with pressure on the affected area, often stronger on the left side, nausea, fever, chills, diarrhea, constipation, thin pencil stools.

  • This could be diverticulitis

What to do: Do ​​not hesitate to see a doctor. In case of constipation, do not use an enema. Do not take laxatives. Don't smoke, avoid coffee and alcohol.

To keep the problem from worsening, eat high-fiber foods (whole grain bread, bran, fruit and vegetables). Yesintroduce the diet gradually. Drink a minimum of 8 glasses a day. Avoid foods that are difficult to digest (nuts, corn). Exercise daily to facilitate regular bowel movements.

GOOD TO KNOW: Abdominal pain on the left side. What are the causes of left-sided abdominal pain?

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Abdominal pain in the upper part

Symptoms: Abdominal pain above, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of appetite, belching, gas, heartburn.

  • Could be gastritis, gastritis

What to do: See a doctor. Before you get to it, do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Drink a lot, but not milk, as it often increases acidity. Take alkalizing and acid blocking drugs. Eat often, but in small portions. Avoid foods that induce gas (e.g. cruciferous and legume vegetables). Do not abuse alcohol, do not smoke.

Abdominal pain in the middle

Symptoms: Severe spasmodic pain in the middle of the abdomen radiating to the right side or back (often occurs at night), nausea, vomiting and gas.

  • This could be a biliary colic attack

What to do: See a doctor as soon as possible (call an ambulance or go to the emergency room). Do not drink or eat anything until you contact your doctor.

  • Pain in the navel area: causes. Pain in the area of ​​the navel can be a symptom of what diseases?
  • SHARP ABDOMEN: causes, symptoms and treatment of the so-called acute abdomen
  • Pain in the lower abdomen in early pregnancy - causes

"Zdrowie" monthly

About the authorAnna Jarosz A journalist who has been involved in popularizing he alth education for over 40 years. Winner of many competitions for journalists dealing with medicine and he alth. She received, among others The "Golden OTIS" Trust Award in the "Media and He alth" category, St. Kamil awarded on the occasion of the World Day of the Sick, twice the "Crystal Pen" in the national competition for journalists promoting he alth, and many awards and distinctions in competitions for the "Medical Journalist of the Year" organized by the Polish Association of Journalists for He alth.

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