9 Signs Experiencing An Abdominal Pain Is Not Normal
The egg mayo sandwich did not taste right, but you were hungry, or perhaps your craving for a freshly made Oreo cheesecake outweighed the fact that you are lactose intolerant. In such scenarios, the possibility of stomach distress is imminent, with the possible occurrence of abdominal pain. While these might be some of the common reasons for your stomach pain, there are moments when you know the pain is not just a matter of consuming something that did not agree with you.
The severity of the pain, together with where it originates within your stomach area and the following symptoms, might provide you and your doctor with the necessary clues to the cause. Here are some signs that you need to be aware of and visit a doctor before it is too late.
Sign #1: Severe abdominal pain after consuming a high-fat meal
If you find yourself doubling over after consuming a high-fat meal, you might be going through a gallbladder attack. Women are more prone compared to men to contract gallbladder disease. The chances of contracting gallbladder disease increase with age and weight. The individual will experience constant pain that might last 30 to 60 minutes.
Sign #2: Painful cramps with constipation or diarrhoea
Lower abdominal pain or cramps, together with bloatedness and constipation or diarrhoea, often are signs of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Affecting about 10% of Singapore’s population, more women than men are prone to contracting IBS. It also occurs more frequently in 30 to 40 years old. IBS symptoms can often be controlled by adjusting your current lifestyle, stress, and diet.
Sign #3: Upper stomach pain between the ribcages
The indication of an ache or stabbing pain in the upper region of your stomach just under the ribcage points to the possibility of heart-related issues. Doctors often find that the pain is accompanied by shortness of breath. While many might assume the signs as symptoms of potential indigestion, it is a cause for concern if the pain continues and if the individual is suffering from hypertension or diabetes.
Sign #4: Acute abdominal pain in the lower right region
An acute pain in the lower right region of the lower abdomen that is often accompanied by a high fever is often a clear indication of appendicitis. The pain often develops at the belly button region and continues to radiate to the surrounding area over time. Most might not be aware of the problem until they start to vomit or suffer from diarrhoea. By then, the emergency room is the place they should be heading to. Appendicitis occurs mostly among kids and teens between ages 5 and 20. Appendicitis requires surgery and can be deadly if left untreated.
Sign #5: Vague upper stomach pain with nausea and burping
The cause of abdominal pain is often hard to identify. With many issues having similar symptoms and signs, it can be hard to pinpoint the exact cause. However, a vague ache in the mid to upper abdominal region that often comes with nausea or excessive burping could be signs of an impending heart attack.
Sign #6: Sudden onset of abdominal pain
The sudden occurrence of pain in the mid-abdominal region might indicate a perforation that needs an emergency surgical procedure. A tear in the stomach could leak gastric content and air, which might lead to peritonitis and septic shock. If you have been experiencing chronic abdominal pain, it is recommended to take certain steps before severe issues develop down the road. These steps could include adjusting your current lifestyle or medication.
Sign #7: Lower stomach pain in women
Sudden pain in the lower abdominal region in women might be an indication of a ruptured ovarian cyst. Similar pain could also indicate ovarian torsion in which the part of the fallopian tube and ovary is twisted, reducing blood supply in said region. When that happens, it is important to seek immediate treatment, which might involve surgery to remove the affected organ.
Sign #8: Knife-like abdominal pain
Pain that surrounds the lower abdominal region, followed by chills, fever, vomiting, and nausea, are clear signs of kidney stones. Doctors usually diagnose it through ultrasound or CT scans.
Sign #9: Belly pain in the lower left abdominal region that gets worse when moving about
Such signs indicate the possibility of diverticulitis which is when small pouches develop along the lower part of the large intestine and become obstructed. Typical treatment might involve the administration of antibiotics and stool softeners or acetaminophen.
Conclusion
These are nine signs that your abdominal pain might not be a simple issue as eating the wrong food. At the end of the day, it is not recommended to read this article and immediately self-diagnose the cause of your pain. When in pain, it is highly encouraged to visit your primary care provider or an experienced gastroenterology team for professional advice. As such, GUTCARE can help you with that. Contact us today to find out more!
