Abdominal pain is a common symptom and can affect people of all ages. This sensation is usually quite uncomfortable and can cause concern depending on its intensity or persistence. They can be caused by a variety of conditions, from simple problems to more serious situations that require immediate attention.
In this sense, it is important to pay attention to the signs of the body, as well as seek help from an expert. With that in mind, digestive tract surgeon Dr. Rodrigo Barbosa explains what types of abdominal pain are and how to identify each one.
1. Upper pain
Popularly known as pain in the pit of the stomach, since the organ is located in the region above the belly. The causes may be linked to digestion, due to poor diet, the consumption of industrialized foods, fats and fried foods, as well as the way of eating with fluid intake with meals or eating and going to bed soon after.
Subscribe to O POVO+
Get access to all exclusive content, columnists, unlimited access and discounts in stores, pharmacies and much more.
Among the diseases that may be related to this pain are reflux, gastritis, duodenitis, gallstones or changes in the pancreas if accompanied by vomiting. There is also epigastric pain, which is of cardiac origin and needs attention. This can even radiate to the back and chest area. Therefore, those who have such a problem should perform endoscopy and ultrasound of the abdomen to identify exactly the origin of the pain and treat it accordingly.
2. Pain in the lower abdomen
In women, they may come from the reproductive cycle and gynecological pain. If there is a change in urine color, bad odor and pus output through pee, they may be linked to urinary infection. Clinical examination and ultrasound are required.
If they are gastrointestinal cramps accompanied by tightness in the stomach or diarrhea, a colonoscopy may even be required for proper evaluation. If there is still a history of cancer in the family, this examination should be done with a certain recurrence. If the pain in women is cyclical and accompanied by menstrual cycles, even if it is combined with diarrhea, it may be normal for the hormonal cycle, but needs to be investigated.
3. Pain in the right side of the belly
In this region, there are several organs such as liver, gallbladder, large intestine, appendix, kidney, among others. If it is a pain originating from the gallbladder, it usually starts in the upper right part and happens after eating some food with a lot of fat, causing diarrhea.
4. Pain in the central belly region
The central region is very nonspecific: basically, there are the small intestine and the navel – and there is a high incidence of umbilical hernia. That pain it can be chronic pain and cause tightness or stabbing, which can trap the bowel, in which case surgery is needed.
Discomfort in this region can also be pancreatitis or intestinal infection; you need to do a physical exam to identify. If it causes bloating, belching and migration of pain throughout the belly or blood in the stool, it could even be a syndrome.
5. Pain in the left side of the belly
On the left side are located the spleen, intestine, kidney and other organs. If the pain comes from this region, it could be a problem in the spleen, but these are rarer cases. It could be kidney pain, which appears in stitches that spread in the spine and implies severe pain with which the patient feels the need to stay in a bent position. If there is pee in reddish color, you need to get quick help in the emergency room.
If this pain is from the intestine region, it is because there may be some inflammation that needs to be identified. May appear in persistent diarrhea or constipation. Colonoscopy is required. Now, if the pain comes from above and migrates downwards, causing lack of appetite, fever and general malaise, it could be an inflamed appendix.
In women, the ovaries can cause ongoing pain that gets worse with menstrual periods, which could be endometriosis. Transvaginal and abdominal ultrasounds are needed to understand the exact disease.
By Mayra Barreto Cinel
Doubts, Reviews and Suggestions? Talk to us
Tags
