Abdominal pain is a pain that manifests between a person's chest and groin, and almost everybody experiences abdominal pain at some point in their lives. Although most abdominal pain is not symptomatic of a serious medical problem, sometimes abdominal pain does signal the presence of an underlying disease.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a disease associated with stomach cramps or abdominal pain. Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the lining of a person's stomach and small and large intestines. It typically is caused by a viral infection, although it can be caused by chemical toxins or drugs. The Merck Manuals website states that, worldwide, approximately 3 to 6 million children die from infection-induced gastroenteritis each year, and that most people with gastroenteritis experience the following symptoms: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Gastroenteritis-related symptoms largely depend on the type and amount of microorganism or toxin that enters the body, and symptoms vary based on a person's resistance. Gastroenteritis-related symptoms often occur suddenly. Diarrhea--along with blood and mucus in the stool--is the most common symptom associated with gastroenteritis.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease can cause stomach cramps or abdominal pain. Crohn's disease causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal tract, and it most frequently affects the lower portion of the small intestine or ileum. The digestive tract inflammation and swelling associated with Crohn's disease extends far beneath the protective lining of the involved organ, and the swelling can stimulate frequent emptying or evacuation of fecal material from the intestines. Abdominal pain--usually in the right lower abdominal quadrant--and diarrhea are the most common symptoms associated with Crohn's disease. Other common symptoms include rectal bleeding, weight loss, arthritis, skin problems and fever.
Lead Poisoning
Lead poisoning is a disease that can cause stomach cramps or abdominal pain. Lead poisoning occurs when lead accumulates in a person's body, a process that usually occurs over a prolonged period, such as months or even years. Significant health problems arise when even a small amount of lead builds up in the body. Children, especially children under the age of 6, are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning, and lead poisoning can cause severe blunting of a child's physical and mental development. In some cases, if enough lead is present in the body, lead poisoning can even cause death. The Mayo Clinic website notes that lead poisoning both in children and adults is characterized by abdominal pain, along with weight loss, vomiting and constipation in children, and headaches, memory loss and fatigue in adults. If left unchecked, lead poisoning will eventually affect a person's nervous system.
