Many patients seeking urgent care complain about abdominal pain. This common symptom can have different causes and severity, ranging from mild discomfort to severe stomach pain.
Treatment can vary because of the various potential causes, so identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment. These are the most common reasons for abdominal pain and what patients should know about when to manage the symptoms or seek medical attention.
Gastrointestinal Causes
Many causes of abdominal pain can stem from the digestive system. If you’re wondering, “Why does my stomach hurt?” or are experiencing stomach pain during or after eating, these are common causes of prolonged or sharp pain in the stomach.
Indigestion
Also known as dyspepsia, it occurs when stomach acid comes into contact with the mucosa, the inner lining of the stomach, causing irritation.
Causes:
- Overeating
- Consuming spicy or fatty foods
- Stress
- Certain medications
Symptoms:
- Burning sensation in the upper abdomen
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Uncomfortable fullness during or after a meal
Gas
Gas trapped in your digestive system can cause bloating, sharp cramps, and a feeling of fullness. Gas buildup occurs when air is swallowed or as a result of the digestive process.
Causes:
- Swallowing air while eating or drinking
- Breakdown of certain foods in the intestines
- Fermentation of undigested food in the colon
Symptoms:
- Bloating
- Sharp cramps
- Feeling of fullness
- Pain often felt in the upper or lower abdomen
Constipation
Constipation occurs when bowel movements become infrequent or difficult to pass. It can lead to discomfort and a feeling of bloating or fullness.
Causes:
- Low-fiber diet
- Dehydration
- Lack of physical activity
- Certain medications
Symptoms:
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Hard or lumpy stools
- Straining during bowel movements
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
IBS is a chronic condition affecting the large intestine, characterized by episodes of abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.
Causes:
- Stress
- Certain foods (such as fatty foods, dairy, and caffeine)
- Hormonal changes
Symptoms:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. These are typically caused by infections.
Causes:
- Viral infections
- Bacterial infections
- Parasitic infections
Symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, irritating the upper abdomen.
Causes:
- Eating large meals
- Lying down after a meal
- Obesity
- Certain foods that increase stomach acidity, such as citrus, tomato, chocolate, garlic, onions, and spicy foods
Symptoms:
- Heartburn
- Burning sensation in the chest
- Abdominal pain
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is the inflammation of the appendix, a small tube attached to the large intestine.
Causes:
- Blockage of the appendix opening
- Infection
Symptoms:
- Sudden pain around the navel shifting to the lower right abdomen
- Worsening pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
Gallstones
Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder.
Causes:
- Excess cholesterol in bile
- Excess bilirubin in bile
- Incomplete emptying of the gallbladder
Symptoms:
- Sudden and intense pain in the upper right abdomen
- Back pain between the shoulder blades
- Pain in the right shoulder
Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are sores that develop on the stomach lining, small intestine, or esophagus.
Causes:
- Bacterium Helicobacter pylori
- Long-term use of NSAIDs
Symptoms:
- Burning stomach pain
- Bloating
- Heartburn
- Nausea
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis occurs when the diverticula (the digestive tract’s small, bulging pouches) become inflamed or infected.
Causes:
- Blockage in the diverticula
- Bacterial infection
Symptoms:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever
- Nausea
- Marked change in bowel habits
Food Intolerances
Overview: Food intolerances occur when the digestive system reacts negatively to certain foods, such as lactose and gluten.
Causes:
- Lack of certain enzymes needed to digest specific foods, such as lactase for patients with lactose intolerance
- Sensitivity to certain food components, such as gluten
Symptoms:
- Bloating
- Gas
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
Reproductive Causes for Women
For female patients, possible causes for stomach pain may be due to illnesses or conditions with their reproductive system.
Menstrual Cramps
Menstrual cramps are caused by the contraction of the uterus during menstruation. Women experience varying levels of pain.
Causes:
- Release of prostaglandins during menstruation, which causes the uterus to contract
Symptoms:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Pain that ranges from mild to severe
- Pain peaking just before and during the first few days of menstruation
Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within an ovary. Although mostly harmless, some cysts can rupture and cause pain.
Causes:
- Hormonal issues
- Endometriosis
- Pregnancy
- Severe pelvic infections
Symptoms:
- Pelvic pain
- Bloating
- Pressure in the lower abdomen
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the uterus.
Causes:
- Retrograde menstruation
- Embryonic cell transformation
- Surgical scar implantation
- Immune system disorders
Symptoms:
- Pelvic pain
- Menstrual irregularities
- Pain during intercourse
- Infertility
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
PID is an infection of the female reproductive organs, often caused by sexually transmitted bacteria.
Causes:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
- Bacteria from the vagina or cervix spreading to the reproductive organs
Symptoms:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fever
- Unusual discharge with an unpleasant odor
- Painful intercourse
- Painful urination
Urinary Causes
In cases of lower abdominal pain, patients’ urinary systems may be affected. The most common conditions include:
Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs are infections in any part of the urinary system, often caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract.
Causes:
- Bacterial infection (usually E. coli)
- Sexual activity
- Certain types of birth control
Symptoms:
- Strong, persistent urge to urinate
- Burning sensation during urination
- Cloudy urine
- Lower abdominal pain
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys, making it difficult to pass urine.
Causes:
- High levels of certain minerals in the urine
- Dehydration
- Certain diets
Symptoms:
- Severe pain in the back and side, below the ribs
- Pain from the lower abdomen to the groin
- Painful urination
Other Causes
Outside of the typical systems, additional causes for abdominal pain include:
Hernia
A hernia occurs when an organ pushes through an opening in the muscle or tissue that holds it in place.
Causes:
- Heavy lifting
- Straining during bowel movements or urination
- Chronic coughing or sneezing
Symptoms:
- Noticeable bulge
- Pain or discomfort in the affected area
- Pain that worsens with activity
Muscle Strain
Muscle strain in the abdominal area can occur from overuse, sudden movement, or heavy lifting.
Causes:
- Overuse of the abdominal muscles
- Sudden twisting or fast movement
- Heavy lifting
Symptoms:
- Localized pain
- Tenderness
- Stiffness
Stress and Anxiety
Chronic stress and anxiety can lead to discomforting symptoms in the abdomen.
Causes:
- Psychological stress
- Anxiety disorders
Symptoms:
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Changes in bowel habits
When to Seek Medical Attention
Some causes of abdominal pain are temporary and can be managed at home. However, there are some warning signs to spot that signal the need for urgent medical care, such as:
- Severe and sudden abdominal pain
- Pain that lasts for several days
- Pain accompanied by fever, vomiting, or significant changes in bowel habits
- Blood in stools or vomit
- Inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement
It’s crucial to seek medical attention for severe or persistent abdominal pain to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. Ignoring symptoms or delaying medical care can lead to complications and worsen the condition in some cases.
Key Takeaway
Abdominal pain can be caused by a wide range of factors, from common digestive issues to more serious conditions requiring urgent medical attention. Understanding the potential reasons for your discomfort can help you manage symptoms and know when to seek professional care.
At the Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care for abdominal pain. Let our doctors examine your condition and determine the best treatment for persistent or severe abdominal pain.