There are many causes of acute abdominal pain. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians or AAFP, acute abdominal pain may signal a serious underlying health condition and should not be ignored. Acute abdominal pain may be caused by a structure or organ within the abdominal cavity or it may be caused by pain referred from the chest or other areas of the body. This pain can be mild, moderate or severe.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis can cause acute abdominal pain. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases or NIDDK, a division of the National Institutes of Health, appendicitis is a painful swelling and infection of the appendix---a small pouch attached to the large intestine. The purpose of the appendix is unclear and removing it does not appear to cause health problems. Mucus generated by the appendix drains through the appendiceal lumen or the inside of the appendix into the large intestine. If the appendiceal lumen becomes blocked, appendicitis occurs. Appendiceal lumen obstruction can be caused by feces, parasites, growths, enlarged lymph tissue, inflammatory bowel disease or abdominal trauma. Common signs and symptoms associated with appendicitis include sudden onset of pain around the navel, anorexia or loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling and constipation or diarrhea.
Acute Cholecystitis
The NIH states that acute cholecystitis is a sudden inflammation of the gallbladder. Cholecystitis can cause excruciating abdominal pain. Most cases of acute cholecystitis, approximately 90 percent, are caused by gallstones in the gallbladder. Other possible causes of acute cholecystitis include serious illness and gallbladder tumors. A person with acute cholecystitis experiences abdominal pain or discomfort because bile becomes trapped in the gallbladder. Bile accumulation in the gallbladder creates inflammation and pressure within the organ, which can lead to bacterial infection or the formation of a hole in the gallbladder. According to the NIH, common signs and symptoms associated with acute cholecystitis include upper right side or upper middle abdominal pain; a sensation of abdominal fullness, clay-colored stools, nausea, vomiting and jaundice.
Ruptured Spleen
A ruptured spleen can cause acute abdominal pain and according to the Mayo Clinic website, a ruptured spleen is a life-threatening condition that's caused by spleen trauma. If left untreated, a ruptured spleen can cause internal bleeding and death. The spleen is situated under the rib cage on the left side of a person's body. Blunt-force trauma to the lower portion of the left rib cage or the left upper abdomen, which can occur during athletic participation, physical assault or a motor vehicle accident, can cause a ruptured spleen. Common signs and symptoms associated with a ruptured spleen include abdominal pain and tenderness; lightheadedness, confusion, blurred vision and fainting. The spleen is responsible for helping the body ward off infection and filter metabolic waste products, including old or damaged blood cells. The spleen is also responsible for generating red blood cells and certain kinds of white blood cells. A ruptured spleen is a serious condition requiring immediate medical intervention.
