Abdominal Discomfort

Abdominal discomfort can come from conditions affecting a variety of organs. It sends uncomfortable sensations that you feel in your belly area. Most causes of abdominal pain are not adverse and are treatable. Nonetheless, seek medical help if the pain persists for a week. It can be a sign of an illness that needs medical attention.

Abdominal discomfort and constipation often go hand in hand. Abdominal pain is a symptom that occurs when you have constipation. It is due to the difficulty passing stools.

Types of Abdominal Discomfort

Acute pain. It starts over a few hours or days and may come with other symptoms.
Chronic pain. It lasts longer and may come and go.
Progressive pain. It gets worse over time and often comes with other symptoms.
Constipation-related pain. It is due to dehydration and other factors of constipation.
Left-sided abdominal pain. It is due to a stomach ulcer or inflammation of the stomach. It may cause acute or chronic pain in the left upper part of your abdomen.
Right-sided abdominal pain. It is due to liver disease and liver infection. Upper-right abdominal pain is usually dull and chronic.

Symptoms of Constipation-related Abdominal Discomfort

Less than three bowel movements in a week
Abdominal pain without bloating
Dry, lumpy, and hard stools
Inability to empty your bowels
Feeling like something is blocking your stools
The need to press on your abdomen to help Empty your bowels
Straining to have a bowel movement
Reduced appetite
Cramps
General stomachache

Seek medical help if symptoms are severe. These include:

Fever
Bloody stool
Persistent nausea and vomiting
Weight loss
Yellowish skin
Abdomen very tender to touch
Swollen abdomen

What are the Causes and Risk Factors of Abdominal Discomfort?

Abdominal discomfort is often due to problems in the digestive tract. It is also a sign of problems in the kidney and liver. Other causes of abdominal pain are:

Trapped gas or indigestion
Constipation
Diarrhea
Food poisoning
Irritable bowel syndrome
Inflammatory bowel disease
Appendicitis
Gallstones
Ulcer
Gall bladder and liver problems
Pancreatitis
Bowel obstruction

How to Diagnose Abdominal Discomfort?

Blood and urine tests are the typical diagnostic method for abdominal discomfort. Nonetheless, if the symptoms persist, your doctor may recommend a CT scan and other imaging tests to determine the problem.

Treatment for Abdominal Discomfort

Your doctor may give anti-constipation drugs if the pain is due to constipation. You can also have OTC products and other treatment methods per doctors’ prescriptions.