Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms that lead a patient to seek medical care, as it can range from mild and transient discomfort to severe and persistent pain that significantly affects daily life. Many people describe it as a feeling of heaviness, tightness, burning, or cramps, and often find it difficult to identify its exact cause. The pain may appear suddenly or gradually, be constant or come and go, which makes proper evaluation more challenging.

The abdomen contains many organs of the digestive system, as well as structures of the urinary system and the abdominal wall. For this reason, does not always have a single explanation. It may be related to simple dietary issues, but also to intestinal diseases, inflammatory conditions, or surgical problems. Understanding the possible causes and the characteristics of the pain is crucial in determining when it is something temporary and when immediate medical evaluation is required.

Causes of abdominal pain

Abdominal pain can arise from a wide range of factors, not all of which have the same severity. Some are related to bowel function and lifestyle, while others indicate an organic condition that requires further investigation.

Digestive Disorders

Poor digestion of certain foods is a common cause of it. Lactose intolerance, sensitivity to gluten, or the consumption of foods that cause fermentation in the intestine can lead to pain, bloating, and gas. The pain usually occurs after meals and is accompanied by a feeling of heaviness or abdominal distension.

Abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the most common causes of chronic abdominal pain. It is a functional disorder in which no structural abnormality is found, yet the pain is real and often intense. Patients experience cramps, alternating diarrhea and constipation, and worsening of symptoms during periods of stress.

Constipation

Prolonged constipation can cause significant abdominal pain, mainly in the lower abdomen. The accumulation of stool and gas creates pressure in the intestine, resulting in pain that often subsides after a bowel movement. A sedentary lifestyle, insufficient fluid intake, and low consumption of dietary fiber can worsen the condition.

Abdominal pain from intestinal diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can cause chronic or acute abdominal pain. The pain is often accompanied by diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and sometimes blood in the stool. In addition, structural conditions of the colon, such as diverticula, strictures, or polyps, may be responsible for persistent pain and a sensation of pressure.

Hernias

Hernias of the abdominal wall are another important cause of it. The pain often worsens with lifting, coughing, or intense physical activity and may be accompanied by a visible bulge in the abdomen. In cases of strangulated hernia, the pain is severe and requires immediate medical intervention.

Diagnosis

Proper diagnosis of abdominal pain is crucial for effective and targeted treatment, as it is a symptom with many different causes. The process begins with a detailed medical history, during which the physician evaluates the duration, intensity, frequency, and exact location of the pain, as well as whether it is related to meals, bowel movements, or physical activity. Particular attention is paid to accompanying symptoms such as bloating, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, or weight loss.

This is followed by a clinical examination of the abdomen, aimed at identifying tenderness, distension, rigidity, or signs suggestive of inflammation or abdominal wall pathology. In some cases, the physical examination may reveal signs of a her