Abdominal pain is something most people have experienced at some point in their life. For most people, it will come and go and only be mild and short term. Some people suffer from more serious problems that cause severe abdominal pain.
While the pain may be caused by something that is not serious, it is always a good idea to see a doctor if you feel the pain has lasted longer than normal or if it becomes so severe that it interferes with your daily life.
Abdominal pain is treated based on the cause or reason, but the pain itself can also be treated with pain medications. Understand the possible causes of your abdominal pain can help you decide if it is serious and requires medical attention or is something you can tolerate until it improves on its own. Here are some of the most common causes of abdominal pain.
1. Indigestion
Most people have or will experience indigestion in their lives. It occurs when the stomach becomes upset after eating. There are many things that can cause indigestion including spicy foods, food allergies, greasy foods, and fatty foods. Indigestion is not a serious health problem, but it can cause some discomfort and pain.
Indigestion is preventable and many medications are available to help prevent and treat indigestion. Although occasional bouts of indigestion are nothing to worry about, chronic indigestion may be a sign of something more serious. Indigestion can feel like a sharp pain in the abdomen or a dull achy pain that starts in the stomach and spreads to other areas.
Indigestion can also be a sign of a food allergy. A doctor can perform a physical exam that can help determine the cause of your indigestion and tell you if there is a cause for concern or if the experience is normal.
