MedlinePlus says that abdominal pain is a type of pain that people experience from the groin to the chest. Abdominal pain can be dull, sharp, boring or aching in nature. In fact, the pain can affect the entire stomach, or it can just affect one side of the stomach. Fortunately, most causes of abdominal pain can be treated effectively.
Indigestion
Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia or an upset stomach, refers to a condition in which the discomfort is felt in the upper part of the stomach. The Mayo Clinic says that specific symptoms of indigestion include burning pain in the upper part of the stomach, early satiety, nausea and bloating.
Common causes of indigestion include overeating, eating spicy foods, drinking too much alcohol and smoking. Some other causes of indigestion include nervousness, gallstones, stomach inflammation and peptic ulcers.
Treating indigestion involves taking antacids, proton pump inhibitors (such as omeprazole), antibiotics or antidepressant medications.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis refers to an inflammation of the appendix, a small structure that extends out of the colon. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse says that symptoms of appendicitis include stomach pain that occurs suddenly and gets worse with breathing, sneezing or coughing, as well as vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, a poor appetite, stomach swelling and a low fever. An additional symptom of appendicitis is trouble passing gas.
Appendicitis is typically due to an obstruction caused via feces, trauma, growth or infection. Anybody is susceptible to appendicitis, but it typically affects people between 10 and 30 years old.
Treating appendicitis involves removing the appendix. Sometimes, taking antibiotic medications and eating a soft, liquid diet can help manage appendicitis.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome refers to a condition that affects the lower part of the digestive tract. MedlinePlus says that specific symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include stomach distention, stomach fullness and chronic or frequent constipation. Other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome include depression, emotional distress, a loss of appetite and chronic diarrhea.
It is unclear what causes irritable bowel syndrome, but it may be due to intestinal movement problems. As MedlinePlus explains, this condition typically affects more women than men, and it can occur at any age.
Treating irritable bowel syndrome involves taking antidiarrheal medications, taking low-dose antidepressants and taking medications to move the bowels for those who are constipated.
