Abdominal discomfort can be a common issue that everyone experiences occasionally, and in most cases, it’s not a major health concern.

However, there are instances where abdominal pain is a sign of an underlying health problem that needs urgent medical attention. Read on to learn about some of the common reasons you may experience abdominal discomfort and when you should see a physician.

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a condition that affects the digestive system. People with GERD experience acid reflux, which occurs when stomach acid goes back to the esophagus, causing discomfort in the abdomen.

Symptoms of GERD include heartburn, regurgitation, and nausea. Treatment of GERD includes medication and lifestyle changes such as weight loss, quitting smoking, and avoiding certain types of food such as alcohol, caffeine, and fatty food.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. The condition is caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

Treatment of gastroenteritis involves medications to help control symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea. People with gastroenteritis need to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

Constipation

Constipation refers to difficulty or infrequent bowel movements. This causes discomfort in the abdomen.

Constipation can be resolved by increasing your daily intake of fiber, drinking plenty of water, engaging in regular exercise, and taking over-the-counter laxatives.

Peptic Ulcers

Peptic ulcers occur when there is a break or erosion in the lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. Symptoms of peptic ulcers include abdominal pain, bloating, indigestion, and heartburn.

Treatment of peptic ulcers involves medication to treat the underlying bacterial infection, acid suppression, and lifestyle changes such as avoiding smoking and some types of food.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. It’s caused by inflammation of the appendix. Symptoms of appendicitis include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite.

Treatment of appendicitis involves surgery to remove the appendix.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis is a medical condition that happens when pouches, or diverticula, form in the walls of the colon and become inflamed. Symptoms of diverticulitis include fever, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and constipation.

Treatment of diverticulitis involves medication to manage symptoms, changes in diet, and in some cases, surgery.

When to See a Physician

If you experience abdominal pain, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention. If your pain is severe or lasts for several days, you should see a physician.

Other symptoms that require immediate medical attention include vomiting blood, difficulty breathing, chest pain, and loss of consciousness. You should also see a doctor if you have trouble passing stool, blood in your stool, or if you’ve lost weight without trying.

Conclusion

Abdominal discomfort is a common issue that affects most people at some point in their lives.

In most cases, it’s not a major health concern, and it can be resolved by making lifestyle changes such as increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly. However, if your pain persists or becomes severe, it’s essential to seek medical attention to rule out any underlying health concerns.