Abdominal pain can occur suddenly or gradually and can be sharp or dull in nature. Sometimes, the blood vessels supplying the intestines do not send enough blood to the digestive tract. In other instances, stones or cancer can form in the digestive tract and lead to stomach pain. Fortunately, the causes of adult abdominal pain can be treated.
Intestinal Ischemia
An intricate set of blood vessels supplies the intestines. The Mayo Clinic says that decreased blood flow to the intestines results in intestinal ischemia.
Intestinal ischemia can be either acute or chronic. Specific symptoms of acute intestinal ischemia include sudden mild or severe stomach pain, bloody stools, a fever, stomach tenderness or bloating, frequent bowel movements and the need to move the bowels.
Symptoms of chronic intestinal ischemia include stomach pain approximately 30 minutes after eating, which can get worse over time. Other chronic intestinal ischemia symptoms include unintentional weight loss, vomiting, bloating and nausea.
Three types of blood vessels supply the intestines: the celiac, superior mesenteric and inferior mesenteric arteries. Sometimes, cholesterol can build up in the intestinal vessels and lead to intestinal ischemia. A blood clot can also develop and block blood flow through the intestinal vessels.
Surgery may be necessary to open up the clogged intestinal vessels.
Gallstones
The Mayo Clinic says that gallstones are common occurrences affecting people in the United States. Gallstones refer to hardened digestive fluid that becomes lodged within the gallbladder or gallbladder ducts.
Specific gallstone symptoms include sudden pain in the upper right region of the stomach, back pain between the shoulder blades and pain in the right shoulder. Sometimes, the stomach pain can begin in the middle of the stomach.
It is unclear what causes gallstones to form.
Treatment involves surgically removing the gallbladder. Sometimes, medications can be used to dissolve the gallstones.
Gastric Cancer
Gastric cancer refers to a condition in which cells in the stomach grow at a rapid rate. MedlinePlus says that gastric cancer symptoms include stomach pain, dark stools, vomiting, nausea, fatigue and weakness. Gastric cancer also causes belching, trouble swallowing and vomiting blood.
Some risk factors for developing gastric cancer include a family history, the presence of a bacteria called H. Pylori and smoking.
Surgically removing the stomach and undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment are just some of the treatments for gastric cancer.
