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Health

Abdominal pain

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025
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Abdominal pain may indicate many pathologies. Depending on the accompanying symptoms, the following causes of such pain can be identified:

  • Appendicitis;
  • Ectopic pregnancy;
  • Menstruation or premenstrual syndrome;
  • Ruptured ovarian cyst;
  • Adnexitis;
  • Cystitis;
  • Inguinal hernia;
  • Intestinal obstruction;
  • Prostatitis.

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What causes abdominal pain and how to recognize it?

Diagnosis of abdominal pain depends on the nature and type of pain and the exact location.

With appendicitis, abdominal pain begins in the epigastric region, gradually spreading downwards to the abdomen, accompanied by fever, nausea and vomiting. When moving, the pain becomes more intense, preventing the patient from walking normally. With these symptoms, an urgent call to an ambulance is necessary. Surgery must be performed for treatment.

With an ectopic pregnancy, abdominal pain is sharp and piercing, can radiate to the rectum and lead to severe dizziness and even loss of consciousness. Bleeding and vomiting may occur. In such cases, emergency surgery is necessary. Similar symptoms occur with a ruptured ovarian cyst.

Premenstrual syndrome and the menstrual period are inextricably linked with abdominal pain for many women. This causes tearfulness and irritability, swelling and soreness of the mammary glands, and a general deterioration in well-being. To alleviate the condition, sedatives are taken - tripsidan, persen, sedasen, novopassit, sedafyton. For direct relief of pain, analgesics are used - ibuprofen, ketanov, paracetamol, no-shpa, dexalgin.

Abdominal pains with cystitis are cutting, localized in the very bottom of the abdomen and accompanied by painful urination. Vaseline, fish oil, sea buckthorn oil, which have enveloping properties, are used locally. In acute cystitis, sexual rest and bed rest, diet, regular drinking (about two liters per day), vitamins and minerals are necessary, and hypothermia should never be allowed. Rectal or vaginal analgesic suppositories are prescribed for acute pain.

Adnexitis in women often causes nagging abdominal pain. They can occur along with nausea, fever, and radiate to the lumbar region. Antibiotics prescribed by a gynecologist are used for treatment. Gentamicin, kefzol, cefazolin, and amoxicillin are mainly used. The causes of adnexitis are infection of the vaginal mucosa (staphylococci, streptococci, yeast fungi). For prevention, it is necessary to use contraception during sexual intercourse and avoid prolonged hypothermia.

Sharp and severe abdominal pain, which increases significantly when trying to strain, may be a sign of such a pathology as an inguinal hernia. Nausea, vomiting, and bloody formations in the stool are observed. Treatment is performed surgically.

Abdominal pain with intestinal obstruction is often cramping, gradually turning into dull and squeezing. There is bloating, no stool, nausea and vomiting. X-ray examination is prescribed for diagnosis. Treatment is surgical

Abdominal pain with prostatitis can be very diverse - from aching and dull to sharp and piercing. Accompanied by frequent urination, a feeling of insufficient emptying of the bladder, premature ejaculation. With this disorder, you need the help of a urologist, examination of the prostate gland, blood tests, ultrasound or CT. Treatment of prostatitis includes antibiotics, plenty of fluids, analgesics and good rest.

The cause of abdominal pain may be gas accumulation in the digestive tract. Typical symptoms: bloating, belching, cramping pain. Severe abdominal pain in this case is eliminated with antispasmodics, such as no-shpa. The condition can also be alleviated with smecta, linex, hilak-forte or activated charcoal.

If abdominal pain is caused by overeating and is accompanied by heaviness in the stomach, you can drink green or black tea. It contains tannins that remove toxins from the body. Mineral water can also help - Morshinskaya, Mirgorodskaya, Borjomi, a decoction of mint with chamomile. Of the medications, mezim, festal, motoricum, smecta, linex, no-shpa are used. If abdominal pain after eating occurs repeatedly or does not stop within 24 hours, seek help from a gastroenterologist - gastritis or other diseases of the gastrointestinal tract may be developing.

Abdominal pain is just a symptom that may indicate the presence of various disorders. For correct treatment and elimination of the disease, if abdominal pain occurs, consult a doctor.

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