Why does my abdominal area hurt

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. During fetal development, the diaphragm or abdominal wall may fail to properly fuse, allowing the abdominal organs to protrude.

Children may feel stomach pain for a range of reasons and may need treatment. Adhesions may have no signs or symptoms, or they may cause pain by pulling on nerves. Severe allergic reactions anaphylaxis and asthma attacks need urgent emergency first aid. In an emergency, always call triple zero Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

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The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Digestive system. Home Digestive system. Abdominal pain in adults. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. When to see a doctor about abdominal pain Symptoms of abdominal pain in adults Causes of abdominal pain in adults Diagnosis of abdominal pain in adults Treatment for abdominal pain in adults Taking care of yourself at home Where to get help.

Learn more. Sometimes the digestive tract does not function properly due to an abnormality with the structure of an organ. Medical imaging will show that the organ does not look normal and is not working properly. The gastrointestinal system has its own nervous system to control the muscle contractions that digest the food you eat.

Functional problems, also called motility disorders, result from poor nerve and muscle function in the digestive tract. Gastrointestinal GI organs with motility problems will usually look normal on medical imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRI scans , but the organs do not work like they should. Abdominal pain is pain that occurs between the chest and pelvic regions.

Abdominal pain can be crampy, achy, dull, intermittent or sharp. Inflammation or diseases that affect the organs in the abdomen can cause abdominal pain. Major organs located in the abdomen include:.

Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections that affect the stomach and intestines may also cause significant abdominal pain. Abdominal pain can be caused by many conditions. However, the main causes are infection, abnormal growths, inflammation, obstruction blockage , and intestinal disorders. Infections in the throat, intestines, and blood can cause bacteria to enter your digestive tract, resulting in abdominal pain. These infections may also cause changes in digestion, such as diarrhea or constipation.

Cramps associated with menstruation are also a potential source of lower abdominal pain, but these are more commonly known to cause pelvic pain.

Diseases that affect the digestive system can also cause chronic abdominal pain. The most common are:. Localized pain is limited to one area of the abdomen.

This type of pain is often caused by problems in a particular organ. The most common cause of localized pain is stomach ulcers open sores on the inner lining of the stomach. Cramp-like pain may be associated with diarrhea, constipation, bloating, or flatulence.

In women, it can be associated with menstruation, miscarriage, or reproductive complications. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you on what type of product is best suited to your situation. You should not use aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines , such as ibuprofen, to treat abdominal pain, other than period pain. These medicines may cause or irritate a stomach or bowel problem.

Gas — Medicines designed to break down gas bubbles, such as antacids containing simethicone, are available over the counter. Gas-reducing medicines such as charcoal products, may help with ongoing wind problems. Dietary changes may also help.

Gastroenteritis — This usually only lasts a few days and clears up by itself. Rehydrating by drinking plenty of clear fluids is the most important treatment. Pain due to muscle spasms — Spasms in the wall of the bowel may be eased by antispasmodic medicines. Several are available, so talk to your pharmacist or doctor about which are right for you. Pain due to stomach ulcers or duodenal ulcers — This type of pain is usually managed by trying to heal the ulcers, which will relieve the symptoms.

This may involve acid-reducing medicines and antibiotics prescribed by your doctor. There are many other causes of abdominal pain and your doctor will be able to advise on the appropriate treatment once the cause is known. In some cases, such as appendicitis or bowel obstruction, the person may need emergency surgery. Eating enough fibre and doing regular exercise can help prevent constipation and keep your bowels working well, which will prevent some forms of abdominal pain.

It will also reduce your long-term risk of some diseases, such as diverticular disease or bowel cancer. Drinking plain water — but not carbonated or fizzy drinks — will reduce the chance of pain from bloating as well as keeping your body healthy. Following a specific diet can help reduce pain due to lactose intolerance , gallstones , irritable bowel syndrome and trapped gas, or wind.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content. Read more on Sydney Children's Hospitals Network website. Read more on Better Health Channel website. Diarrhoea is gastrointestinal disturbance with frequent watery stools. Symptoms include abdominal pain, feeling sick and fatigue. Read more on myDr website. Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis is a rare inflammatory condition that can lead to abdominal pain and kidney failure.

Gallstones are lumps of crystal that develop within the gall bladder. Gallstones cause intense abdominal pain that lasts for minutes to hours. Irritable bowel syndrome IBS is a disorder in which the normal rhythmic movement of your gut bowel is disturbed - this can lead to abdominal pain, bloating and excessive gas. Familial Mediterranean fever is a rare autoinflammatory disorder.