Abdominal pain is pain that occurs between the chest and pelvic area. Abdominal pain can take many forms and could be crampy, achy, dull, intermittent or sharp. Typically abdominal pain is caused by inflammation, infection or diseases, but it can have several causes. Here are a few ideas on what your abdominal pain could mean, from our GP service for abdominal pain in Costa del Sol.
What causes abdominal pain?
Many conditions can cause abdominal pain. However, the leading causes are infections, abnormal growths, inflammation, obstruction (blockage), and intestinal disorders.
Your abdomen houses several major organs, including:
- small and large intestines
- kidneys
- appendix
- spleen
- stomach
- gallbladder
- liver
- pancreas.
If a problem develops with any of these organs, it causes some degree of abdominal pain. Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections that affect the stomach and intestines may also cause significant pain in your abdominal area. If your pain is severe or prolonged, make sure you call our GP service for abdominal pain in Costa del Sol to get it checked out.
Throat, intestine, and blood infections can make it easier for bacteria to enter your digestive tract, resulting in abdominal pain. These infections may also cause changes in your digestion process, such as diarrhoea or constipation. Typically, the pain from these conditions will last for a longer period of time and you may want to arrange an appointment with our GP service for abdominal pain in Costa del Sol to identify the exact cause of your pain.
Cramps associated with menstruation are also a potential source of lower abdominal pain during your period, but these more commonly cause pelvic pain. Unless your menstrual cramps are severe or you're experiencing heaving menstrual bleeds, dizziness or nausea, they shouldn't give you cause to see our GP service for abdominal cramps in Costa del Sol.
Other common causes of abdominal pain include:
- constipation
- diarrhoea
- gastroenteritis
- acid reflux
- vomiting
- stress.
Certain diseases affecting the digestive system can also cause chronic abdominal pain. The most common are:
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- irritable bowel syndrome
- Crohn’s disease
- lactose intolerance.
Causes of severe and sudden abdominal pain should always be checked out by our GP service for abdominal pain in Marbella. Any issue that results in severe and sudden abdominal pain could require hospital treatment. Typical causes include:
- organ rupture or near-rupture (such as a burst appendix, or appendicitis)
- gallstones
- kidney stones
- kidney infection.
Types of abdominal pain
Abdominal pain can be described as localised, cramp-like, or colicky. The type of pain you experience will usually give our GP service for abdominal pain in Costa del Sol a better idea of what may be causing the pain.
Localised pain is limited to one specific area of the abdomen. This type of pain is generally caused by problems in a singular organ. The most common cause of localised pain is stomach ulcers, although you will need to be examined by a doctor to confirm a diagnosis.
Cramp-like pain may be associated with diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, menstruation, issues with the female reproductive organs or flatulence. In pregnant women, it can be associated with miscarriages and should be checked out as soon as possible by our GP service for abdominal pain in Costa del Sol as soon as possible.
Colicky pain is typically a symptom of more severe conditions, such as gallstones or kidney stones. This pain occurs suddenly and may feel like a severe muscle spasm. It is important to get checked out by our GP service for abdominal pain in Costa del Sol if you experience this type of pain.
If you're experiencing ongoing pain or discomfort and are concerned that there may be a serious issue, call our GP service for abdominal pain in Costa del Sol.