6 Most Common Causes of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain refers to dull aches or a burning, sharp or acute pain in your belly. Abdominal pain is rarely severe and can occur due to various causes like dyspepsia or pulled muscle. Symptoms of abdominal pain can be successfully treated or can go away on their own. Severe or continual abdominal pain can indicate a serious underlying health problem like cancer or organ dysfunction. Such type of abdominal pain requires urgent medical attention.

Continue reading to learn the six most common causes of pain and discomfort in your abdomen.

1. Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis)
Stomach fly often leads to symptoms that develop much earlier and more commonly than normal after eating. Stomach flu can be caused by contaminated food or water intake and typically resolves in a few days. If the symptoms last more than 2 to 3 days it may indicate a severe health condition like infection or inflammation. Symptoms of viral gastroenteritis include:

• nausea


• vomiting


• pyrexia


• stomach cramps


• bloating


• muscle aches


• diarrhea

2. Acid reflux (GERD)
Acid reflux is a chronic disease that occurs when your abdomen contents reflux back into your esophagus. It can lead to stomach ache, heartburn, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can cause complications like esophagitis. The most common sign of GERD is heartburn. Heartburn is a burning sensation that occurs behind your breastbone. It can worsen when you bend down, lie down or eat. But, not all GERD patients have heartburn, and you may experience other symptoms. Symptoms of GERD include:

• lump in throat


• bad breath


• difficulty breathing and swallowing


• enamel erosion

3. Gas
Gas occurs when bacteria in the small bowel ferment foods that your body has difficulty digesting. Excessive gas in the bowel can lead to sharp pain. Gas may also lead to tightness or feeling of fullness in your stomach and flatulence or burping. Gas-producing drinks and foods include:

• beans


• whole grains


• wheat


• vegetables


• lactose


• fruits


• sodas


• processed foods


• chewing gum


• hard candy


• alcohol

4. Abdominal muscle strain 
Muscle strain or pull usually occur due to abdominal exercises or daily activities that require the use of abdominal muscles. Strained muscles in your abdomen may restrict movements and cause pain and discomfort. If you’ve pulled a muscle you may experience the following symptoms:

• cramps and muscle spasms


• soreness


• bruising or swelling


• discomfort and stiffness 

5. Constipation
Constipation develops when your bowel movements become less frequent and stools are harder to pass. This digestive disorder can occur due to excessive intake of fiber or drastic changes in your nutrition or routine. Certain medications can also cause constipation. If you suffer from chronic constipation, consult a gastroenterology specialist about available treatment. 

Main symptoms of constipation include:

• dry, lumpy, or hard stool


• cramping and stomach ache


• bloating and nausea

6. Food intolerances
Food intolerance means that your body cannot properly digest food or its ingredients. In such a case, intestinal bacteria start fermenting these foods and releases gas in the process. If your bowel is full of undigested material, this can result in excessive gas production and pain.

Nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are other symptoms. Pain and discomfort from food intolerance may occur soon after consuming certain foods. Common symptoms of food intolerance include:

• vomiting


• gas and cramps


• stomach pain


• diarrhea


• headaches

The bottom line
Most cases of abdominal pain aren’t severe and typically resolve within a few hours or days with proper rest and hydration. However, if you experience severe and long-lasting pain and discomfort in your abdomen, fever, bloody stool, inability to urinate, extreme abdomen sensitivity, or vomit blood, you should seek urgent treatment.