Lower Abdominal Pain FAQs

By sandy

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. Cervellin, Gianfranco. 'Epidemiology and Outcomes of Acute Abdominal Pain in a Large Urban Emergency Department: Retrospective Analysis of 5,340 Cases.' PubMed Central (PMC). www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5075866/.
• 2. 'Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Symptoms and Causes.' Mayo Clinic. 3 Mar. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353315.
• 3. 'Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms and Causes.' Mayo Clinic. 17 Mar. 2018: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016.
• 4. 'How to Tell If That Pain Is Your Appendix.' Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic. 12 Nov. 2019: health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-tell-if-that-pain-is-your-appendix/.
• 5. 'Inguinal Hernia.' UCSF General Surgery. generalsurgery.ucsf.edu/conditions--procedures/inguinal-hernia.aspx.
• 6. 'Diverticulitis Diagnosis and Treatment Mayo Clinic.' Mayo Clinic. 7 May 2020: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diverticulitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20371764#.
• 7. 'Kidney Stone Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, & Prevention.' American Kidney Fund (AKF). www.kidneyfund.org/kidney-disease/kidney-problems/kidney-stones/.

Medical Expert

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Those looking to get to the bottom of untimely cramps or discomfort may find a quick solution through self-diagnosis. However, when the pain persists, it's best to seek out medical attention.

Lower abdominal pain is a common ailment that could indicate a number of conditions, ranging in their severity. While it can indicate somewhat harmless conditions such as gas or indigestion, it may also point to more serious illnesses such as cancer or endometriosis. Acute abdominal pain accounts for 7 percent to 10 percent of emergency department visits, and it's worth knowing when to go.¹Cervellin, Gianfranco. ‘Epidemiology and Outcomes of Acute Abdominal Pain in a Large Urban Emergency Department: Retrospective Analysis of 5,340 Cases.’ PubMed Central (PMC). www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5075866/.

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

Irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease are two conditions that are similar in name and symptoms. Both affect the large intestine and frequent bowel movements, cramps, and gas are common symptoms. It's possible to have both these conditions at the same time.

IBS affects the gastrointestinal tract, and its exact causes aren't known; however, contributing factors include stress, dietary changes and muscle contractions. In most cases, it can be managed with diet and exercise. IBD is an inflammatory disease that can cause ulcers (ulcerative colitis) or inflammation of the digestive tract's inner lining (Crohn's disease). Treatment may include medication or surgery.²‘Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic. 3 Mar. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/inflammatory-bowel-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353315.^,3‘Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic. 17 Mar. 2018: www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016.