There are several causes of abdominal pain. Some of them include diarrhoea, bloating, inflammation, and viral infections. However, not all of them are serious. The good news is that there is help available. Read on to learn more about the causes of abdominal pain and learn what to do if you’re experiencing these problems.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is an unpleasant and uncomfortable condition that can lead to serious complications. It is particularly dangerous for babies and young children because their small bodies are more susceptible to dehydration. A medical professional can prescribe medication to relieve the symptoms of the illness. Other treatment options include colonoscopy, which examines the bowel lining.
Diarrhoea can also be a symptom of a bacterial infection. In addition, the abdominal pain can be caused by an allergic reaction to food. In most cases, however, the discomfort will go away on its own. However, if it lasts longer than 4 days, you should visit a doctor.
Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, which can lead to malnutrition. Additionally, it can cause lactose intolerance, which can lead to an increase in the risk of infection. Diarrhoea is also highly infectious, meaning that it can spread from person to person and from contaminated food.
Bloating
Bloating is a common symptom of digestive problems and is often caused by excess intestinal gas. It can cause pain in the abdomen and make it uncomfortable to wear clothes. If you have symptoms of bloating, it’s important to visit a gastroenterologist to determine the cause. While the underlying cause is often vague, proper diagnosis can help you avoid stomach problems in the future.
Identifying the cause of bloating can be a difficult process, but there are several effective therapies for preventing or treating it. Therapies include dietary modifications, antibiotics, and prokinetic agents. Some patients may even benefit from biofeedback to help alleviate their discomfort.
Inflammation
Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This chronic inflammatory condition affects the digestive system and causes abdominal pain, diarrhoea and fatigue. It can also result in ulceration and stricture of the intestinal lining.
Viral infection
Viral gastroenteritis is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain. This infection affects the lining of the digestive tract and is accompanied by fever and watery diarrhea. It is often contracted by close contact with an infected person or through contaminated food. It usually lasts for a few days. Although there is no definite cure for viral gastroenteritis, proper prevention can help to reduce the risk.
Viruses affecting the gastrointestinal tract are highly contagious. The most common are norovirus, rotavirus, and astrovirus. Children and young adults are particularly susceptible to these viruses, and they can spread them to other people by touching objects or food workers. The virus can also be transferred to the water supply if it has come into contact with sewage. While the seasonal flu virus can cause gastroenteritis, it is less common in adults. In infants, however, the rotavirus is usually the culprit. The virus usually attacks infants aged three to 15 months and is most prevalent during the colder months of the year.
Functional problem
Functional abdominal pain is a common, recurring type of pain that occurs in the abdominal region. While it is not alarming in most cases, it can be debilitating and persistent. It usually occurs along with other symptoms of GI disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. However, it can also occur alone. The cause of functional pain is not known, but genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors may all be involved.
Functional abdominal pain is a common pediatric complaint, accounting for about 4 percent of visits to pediatricians. It often occurs after a period of stress or a gastrointestinal infection. Parents should take note of any significant changes in their child’s behavior.
