Stomach pain

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Stomach Pain

Stomach pain, also known as abdominal pain, is a sensation of discomfort or distress in the area between the chest and the pelvis. It can range from mild to severe, acute or chronic, and may be continuous or intermittent. Stomach pain can be a symptom of various medical conditions, including gastroenteritis, peptic ulcers, and gallstones.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Stomach pain can be caused by a variety of conditions. These include:

  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
  • Peptic Ulcers: These are sores that develop on the lining of the stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus.
  • Gallstones: These are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ under the liver.
  • Appendicitis: This is an inflammation of the appendix, a small organ attached to the large intestine.
  • Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

In addition to pain, other symptoms may accompany stomach pain, including:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of the cause of stomach pain may involve a physical examination, medical history, and various tests such as:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment for stomach pain depends on the underlying cause. It may include medications for inflammation, infection, or pain. In some cases, surgery may be required.

See Also[edit | edit source]



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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD