- Abdominal (belly) pain is pain or discomfort that is felt below the ribs and above the pelvis or groin.
- It comes from organs within the abdomen or organs adjacent to the belly.
- It is caused by inflammation, distention of an organ, or by loss of the blood supply to an organ.
- In irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) it may be caused by contraction of the intestinal muscles or hyper-sensitivity to normal intestinal activities.
- Symptoms associated with it may include:
- Bloating
- Belching
- Gas (flatus, farting)
- Indigestion
- Discomfort in the upper left or right; middle; or lower left or right abdomen
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disease)
- Heartburn
- Chest discomfort
- Pelvic discomfort
- The cause of abdominal pain is diagnosed on the basis of its characteristics of the, physical examination, and testing. Occasionally, surgery is necessary for diagnosis.
- The medical diagnosis of the cause is challenging because the characteristics may be atypical, tests are not always abnormal, diseases causing pain may mimic each other, and the characteristics may change over time.
- Medical treatment depends upon the patient’s history of disease or other health conditions that may be the cause.
Sometimes injection therapy is helpful in confirming the diagnosis, or treating the underlying condition. For instance chronic pancreatitis can be alleviated with a Celiac Plexus Block. Pelvic Pain may respond to Sympathetic Plexus Blocks.