Tummy troubles are a common cause for a visit to the doctor’s office. When patients complain of “stomach pain,” they are sometimes describing pain that is throughout the abdomen area and may not actually be directly related to the organ known as the stomach. Doctors first try to
determine if a patient’s abdominal pain is caused by a structural or functional problem. Sometimes the digestive tract does not function properly due to an abnormality with the structure of an organ.
Medical imaging will show that the organ does not look normal and is not working properly. The gastrointestinal system has its own nervous system to control the muscle contractions that digest the food you eat. Functional problems, also called motility disorders, result from poor nerve and muscle function in the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal (GI) organs with motility problems will usually look normal on medical imaging tests, such as
CT scans or
MRI scans, but the organs do not work like they should. Because functional disorders are hard to see in imaging, they can be challenging to diagnose.
Medically Reviewed by Mahammad Juber, MD on September 25, 2022 Abdominal pain is discomfort or other uncomfortable sensations that you feel in your belly area. Just about everybody at one
time or another will get a bellyache. Most causes of abdominal pain aren't reasons to worry, and your doctor can easily diagnose and treat the problem. Sometimes, though, it can be a sign of a serious illness that needs medical attention. There are several types of abdominal pain, which are based on how
quickly your pain starts and how long it lasts: Whether you've got a mild ache or serious
cramps, abdominal pain can have many causes. For instance, you might have indigestion, constipation, a stomach virus or, if you're a woman, menstrual cramps. Other possible causes include: You may also get abdominal pain if you're lactose intolerant or have ulcers or
pelvic inflammatory disease. Other causes include: If your abdominal pain is serious, doesn't go away, or keeps coming back, talk to your doctor. Call 911 right away if your belly hurts because you had a recent injury there or if you have any chest pain. You should also contact your doctor as soon as you can if you have symptoms along with the pain,
such as: Also call your doctor if: You may have other symptoms that could be a sign of a problem inside your body that needs treatment as soon as possible. Get medical care right away
if you have abdominal pain and you also: Since there are so many possible causes, your doctor will do a thorough physical
exam. They’ll also ask you some questions about your symptoms and want to know what type of pain you have. For instance, is it a severe stabbing pain or a dull ache? Some other questions your doctor may ask you:
After your exam is over and your doctor is done asking you questions, you may need tests to help find the cause of your pain. These tests may include:
Abdominal Pain Treatment and Home RemediesThe treatment for abdominal pain depends on its cause, and may include:
Over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and ibuprofen can irritate your stomach and worsen your pain. Don’t take them unless a doctor has diagnosed the cause of your belly pain and recommends their use. Some diet and lifestyle changes may help belly pain caused by gas and indigestion. Here are some things you can try:
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