What Can Abdominal Pain Be?

If you have abdominal pain it could be a simple stomachache, it can be due to heartburn, a heart attack, menstrual cramps or even kidney stones.

The two common conditions are: appendicitis and ulcers.

Ulcers: Pain in the upper,central abdomen. It may be a few hours after eating or during the night. It may be relieved by taking antacids. An ulcer can bleed or rupture at which time it is a medical emergency.

Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix starts with pain in the center of the abdomen around the belly button. As the pain becomes worse, it moves to the right lower abdomen.An inflamed appendix can rupture at which time it becomes a medical emergency.

Seek emergency assistance for your pain immediately if:

• You have a fever
• You are vomiting blood
• You are constipated
• You also have chest, neck or shoulder pain
• You are dizzy or light headed
• Your abdomen is rigid and tender to touch

Contact your physician if the pain is accompanied by:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• If you may be pregnant
• Diarrhoea
• Burning or pain when urinating
• If pain becomes worse with antacids
• Nausea
• Bloating for more than two days

Your doctor will ask you specific questions such as:

• When did it start?
• How long does it last?
• What makes it feel better?
• Is the pain sharp or dull
• Is it cramps.
• Does the pain come and go? ____________________________________________________________________________