Abdominal pain is one of the most common types of pain and its causes can be numerous. It is important to emphasize that not every belly ache is life-threatening, but if it happens chronically, it means that something wrong is going on in your body and it needs to be addressed.
Some of the most common reasons for belly ache include ulcers, gallstones, kidney stones, constipation, and pancreatitis, among others, as noted on Longevity Box.
How Is the Cause of the Belly Ache Diagnosed?
When you are at the doctor’s office due to a stomach ache, doctors need to first determine if the pain is triggered by a functional or a structural issue. As Hopkins Medicine explain, functional problems are also known as motility disorders and they are a result of low nerve and muscle function in the digestive tract. Though the organs may look normal on medical images from CTs or MRIs, they are not working properly.
Structural problems happen when the proper functioning of the digestive tract is impeded because of an abnormality in an organ. This will be visible on medical images.
The 5 Most Common Conditions Characterized by Belly Ache
- Constipation
When constipation is causing your belly pain, you will experience sharp gas pains throughout the whole abdominal area. You may also feel bloated and full and your abdominal area will look expanded and bigger than usually.
- IBS
When your belly pain is caused by this syndrome, it may worsen after a meal or during stressful situations. Other common symptoms of this condition are constipation, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas and it is usually manifested through a strong and sharp ache in the upper middle section of the abdomen. It may also spread to the back or chest. Other possible symptoms are vomiting, fever, and nausea. This may happen all of a sudden or as a chronic condition.
- Ulcers
Ulcers are sores that appear on the stomach’s lining or on the first part of the small intestines. They may trigger a burning sensation which may be similar to hunger pangs. Other ulcer signs are vomiting, heartburn, and nausea.
- Diverticulitis
This condition is characterized by an inflammation or infection of the small pouches in the large intestine. Other potential symptoms you may experience in addition to belly pain are fever, constipation, vomiting, and nausea.
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