Abdominal Pain
There are many causes of abdominal pain. If you have severe abdominal pain or cramping that progressively worsen, see a healthcare provider.
Common causes of abdominal pain are listed below:
Constipation: Symptoms include hard, infrequent stools that are difficult to pass, and straining with bowel movements. Drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and avoid antacids and iron supplements. Try over-the-counter bulk forming agents such as Metamucil.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/constipation/DS00063
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/constipation.html
Gastroenteritis (Nausea, Diarrhea, Vomiting): This is an inflammation of the stomach or intestinal tract caused by viruses, food poisoning, water contamination or too much alcohol. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever or chills. Do not eat or drink anything except ice chips until the nausea passes.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/viral-gastroenteritis/DS00085
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/gastroenteritis.html
Heartburn: Symptoms include burning or gnawing pain under the breastbone or in the upper middle abdomen. Pain can occur after meals, between meals or during the night. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, smoking, chocolate and other aggravating foods. Do not immediately eat before bedtime and elevate the head of your bed. Try eating small, frequent meals. An over-the-counter antacid can be helpful.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/heartburn.html
http://familydoctor.org/087.xml
Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain that starts in the upper part of your abdomen or around your belly button and moves to the lower right part of your abdomen. There is tenderness when the right lower abdomen is pressed and there may be nausea, vomiting and mild fever. See a healthcare provider.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/appendicitis/DS00274
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000256.htm
Menstrual Cramps: Cramping of the uterus is caused by normal hormonal fluctuation. Symptoms include lower abdominal cramping, back pain, fatigue and nausea. Try taking over-the-counter medication such as Ibuprofen, Advil or Naproxen. Use a heating pad on your abdomen, do mild exercise such as walking and rest as needed.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/menstrual-cramps/DS00506
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003150.htm
Bladder Infection: A bacterial infection of the bladder causing cloudy or bloody urine, frequent, painful urination, and lower abdominal pressure or pain. Drink plenty of water and see a healthcare provider.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/urinary-tract-infection/DS00286
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000521.htm
Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy that implanted in the fallopian tube instead of the uterus. Symptoms are having missed one or more periods with cramping and lower abdominal pain. This is a medical emergency, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000895.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ectopic-pregnancy/DS00622
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): A sexually transmitted infection in women of the genital tract with symptoms of fever, abnormal vaginal discharge, painful intercourse, painful urination, irregular periods and abdominal pain. See a healthcare provider.
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pelvic-inflammatory-disease/DS00402
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/pelvicinflammatorydisease.html