Almost everyone will experience having abdominal pain or more commonly known as a stomach pain at one time or another. However, since the stomach is only one of the several organs in an area of the body unprotected by bones or other hard tissue, it is best viewed as abdominal pain. Such pain can be caused by simple gastrointestinal cramps due to a viral or bacterial infection, or it may be a sign of a much more serious and perhaps dangerous condition. A general rule is that the broader, or larger the area of discomfort, the more likely it is the result of a less than critical condition. Often life-threatening ailments like appendicitis, or even cancer will produce relatively little soreness.
What Cause An Abdominal Pain
An abdominal pain may manifest as a sharp pain, mild ache, or a cramp depending upon the underlying cause of the discomfort. The common causes of the pain are the following:
- Flatulence or gas
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Food allergy
- Menstrual cramp
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Gallstone
- Urinary tract infection
- Appendicitis
- Hernia
- Lactose intolerance
Management for Abdominal Pain
The first line defenses, which can also help determine the nature of the pain, include the following:
- Swallow small amounts of water or other clear liquids like Gatorade.
- Stay away from solid foods.
- If vomiting has occurred, wait for four to six hours, and then eat little amounts of mild foods that tend to thicken and concentrate, like rice, potatoes, or saltine crackers, avoiding dairy products.
- If there is a burning feeling, particularly close to the throat area, antacids may be of great help, and stay away from greasy foods, citrus fruits or juices, caffeine, tomatoes, or any foods that tend to greatly increase acid buildup.
- Do not take anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, and take no narcotic unless prescribed by a physician.
- If discomfort persists, call a physician promptly.
Abdominal Pain as a Serious Condition
A simple or mild pain in the abdomen may often become negligible, but there are instances when the pain can lead to a more serious condition. When the person vomits blood, has a bloody stool and with difficulty in breathing, take the person immediately to a hospital.
Taking a First Aid Training
A first aid training can be helpful in providing medical assistance to a person with abdominal pain. Being able to evaluate the vital signs and symptoms of a serious medical condition will enable one to take action immediately to provide relief and preventive measures before professional help arrives.
Reference
WebMD. Abdominal Pain. Retrieved on June 13, 2014 from http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/guide/abdominal-pain-causes-treatments