Abdominal Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Abdominal pain is one of the most common health complaints affecting people of all ages. The abdomen contains several important organs including the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder, and problems affecting any of these organs can cause abdominal discomfort or pain.

The pain may range from mild and temporary discomfort to severe or persistent pain that interferes with daily activities. Some people experience abdominal pain occasionally due to indigestion or dietary factors, while others may have ongoing pain related to digestive diseases. It may feel like cramping, burning, stabbing, or dull aching, and it may occur in a specific part of the abdomen or spread across the entire stomach area.

At Pramod Gastro & Liver Care Centre in Nandyal, Dr. S. V. Pramod Reddy, an experienced gastroenterologist, evaluates patients with abdominal pain to identify the exact cause and provide appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and ensures better digestive health.

Common Symptoms Associated With Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain may occur along with several other digestive symptoms depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:

• Cramping or spasms
• Burning sensation
• Sharp or stabbing pain
• Persistent dull ache
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Bloating or fullness
• Constipation or Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Excessive gas or fever

Types of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can present in different ways depending on the digestive organ involved:

Common Causes of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain may occur due to a wide range of digestive conditions and lifestyle factors:

• Indigestion: Eating large or fatty meals too quickly.
• Acid Reflux & GERD: Burning pain in the upper abdomen and chest.
• Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining causing nausea and bloating.
• Peptic Ulcers: Sores in the stomach or upper intestine causing gnawing pain.
• Gallbladder Disorders: Gallstones causing severe pain in the upper right abdomen.
• Pancreatitis: Intense upper abdominal pain radiating to the back.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Chronic pain with bloating and bowel changes.

Diagnosis of Abdominal Pain

At Pramod Gastro & Liver Care Centre, we use comprehensive evaluation tools:

• Medical History & Physical Examination: Assessing symptoms and lifestyle.
• Blood Tests: Identifying infections or metabolic conditions.
• Ultrasound Abdomen: Examining the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas.
• Upper GI Endoscopy: Detecting ulcers, gastritis, or inflammation.
• Colonoscopy: Examining the large intestine for polyps or inflammation.

Treatment and Lifestyle Tips

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. It may include medications to reduce acid, treat infections, or relieve spasms. Dr. S. V. Pramod Reddy also recommends lifestyle changes to support digestion: