Understanding Abdominal Pain: Types, Common Causes, Preventative Measures, and When to Seek Emergency Care at Friendswood Community Hospital

Abdominal pain refers to pain that takes place within the belly region and runs from the lower chest to the groin area. The pain affects either an extensive body section or a particular area of the belly region. People experience both mild discomfort and intense pain that necessitates emergency medical attention.

This blog by experts from Friendswood Community Hospital is a detailed guide on abdominal pain. Continue reading for more information. You can as well contact our medical teams for expert guidance.

Types of Abdominal Pain 

It is important to identify the type of pain you are feeling because there are numerous possible causes of abdominal pain. This will help the medical expert to diagnose your condition. There are main three types of abdominal pain: acute, chronic, and progressive. There are several linked causes for each of these types of pain:

• Acute pain. It usually goes away in a few hours or days. Since it usually starts abruptly on the right side of the abdomen, appendicitis is an example of acute abdominal pain. Gas pain may also strike suddenly, but it will go away on its own because it is distributed throughout your abdomen rather than being intense in one place.
• Chronic pain. Similar to acute pain, chronic abdominal pain can be caused by a wide range of conditions, such as endometriosis or digestive conditions like celiac disease. Diagnosing the cause of chronic abdominal discomfort can be challenging. 
• Progressive pain is defined as pain that worsens over time. In most cases, additional symptoms will also appear throughout this period. Crohn’s disease, various malignancies, and other conditions are among the more serious causes of progressive pain.

Common Causes of Abdominal Pain

The causes of abdominal pain vary widely. Some of the most common include:

• Digestive Issues: Indigestion, food poisoning, gas, ulcers, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, gallstones, pancreatitis, and stomach flu.
• Female Reproductive System Issues: Endometriosis, ovarian cysts, menstrual cramps, and reproductive system cancers.
• Urinary and Kidney Problems: Urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and kidney disease.
• Infections: Hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and viral infections such as shingles.

When to Seek Emergency Care

While some abdominal pain resolves on its own, severe symptoms may require immediate medical attention. Seek emergency care at Friendswood Community Hospital if you experience:

• Abdominal swelling and tenderness
• Black stools
• Bloody urine
• Shoulder pain
• Difficulty in breathing
• High fever
• Prolonged nausea and vomiting 
• Vomiting blood or black material resembling coffee grounds
• Jaundice

Preventing Abdominal Pain

While not all types of abdominal pain can be prevented, following these lifestyle habits can help:

• Eat small and frequent meals instead of large meals.
• Ensure a well-balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits, and vegetables.
• Drinking plenty of water.
• Frequent exercises.
• Avoid foods that might cause abdominal gas.

Get Expert Care for Abdominal Pain at Friendswood Community Hospital in Friendswood, TX – Schedule Your Visit Today!

At Friendswood Community Hospital, we are committed to providing excellent medical care for abdominal pain, from mild discomfort to severe conditions. If you are experiencing persistent or severe abdominal pain, contact our office today to schedule an evaluation with our medical experts.