Abdominal Pain


Abdominal pain can be referred to as the pain or discomfort that is felt in the part of the trunk below the ribs and above the pelvis.

It occurs due to the discomfort in organs within the abdomen or organs adjacent to the belly. It is commonly called as Stomach ache. 

The organs that are located in the abdominal area includes

  • Stomach
  • Small intestine
  • Kidney
  • Gallbladder
  • Liver
  • Pancreas
  • Spleen
  • Adrenal glands 
  • Duodenum 
  • Ileum
  • Jejunum
  • Umbilicus
  • Cecum
  • Appendix
  • Colon
  • Female reproductive organs and
  • Urinary bladder

What are the Causes of Abdominal Pain?

The probable causes of Stomach ache are diagnosed on the basis of its onset, characteristics of pain, physical examination, and lab investigations if required.
Common Causes are-
  • Overeating
  • Due to any inflammation, distention of any underlying organ, or due to loss of the blood supply to an organ.
  • Any Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections that affect the stomach and intestines may also cause significant abdominal pain. However, in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) the discomfort is caused by contraction of the intestinal muscles or hypersensitivity to normal intestinal activities.
  • Infections in the throat, intestines, and blood can cause bacteria to enter the digestive tract which results in stomach upset and abdominal pain. These infections may also cause indigestion, such as diarrhea or constipation.
  • Cramps associated with menstruation are also a potential source of lower abdominal ache, but more commonly these are referred to as pelvic pain.
  • Other common causes of abdominal pain include diseases like constipation, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, acid reflux (when stomach contents leak backward into the esophagus, causing heartburn and other symptoms), vomiting and stress
  • Major diseases that affect the digestive system can also cause chronic abdominal discomfort and pain. The most common are:

                       1.  gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

                       2.  Crohn’s disease (an inflammatory bowel disease)

                       3.  Lactose intolerance (the inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products)

  • Some other causes also include organ rupture or near-rupture (such as a burst appendix, or appendicitis), gallbladder stones (known as gallstones), kidney stones, etc.

Examination and Tests help diagnose the cause of abdominal pain

Physical examination
  • Palpation in the different quadrants helps to locate if any tenderness.
  • The presence of a mass within the abdomen may be suggestive of Tumour, Enlarged organ or an abscess 
  • Sounds will be prominent from the intestines, which occur when there is an obstruction.
  • The presence of thick blood stain in the stool may signify an intestinal problem such as an ulcer, colon cancer, colitis, or ischemia.
Laboratory tests

Laboratory tests such as the complete blood count (CBC), liver enzymes, pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase), pregnancy test and urine analysis also helps to rule out the reason for abdominal pain.

Plain X-rays and other radiographic studies like USG, CT, MRI also helps in diagnosing the fundamental causes of stomach ache.

What are the Symptoms of Abdominal Pain

  • Severe abdominal tenderness which lasts for more than 24hrs.
  • Persistent Nausea, Vomiting or Diarrhea
  • Burning sensation in the Stomach
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Sometimes stomach pain may be associated with fever and chills.

Home Remedies For Abdominal Pain - Cure a Stomach Ache Naturally 

1. GINGER 


Drink 5ml of Ginger or Chew Raw Ginger mixed with salt which will immediately help to reduce the stomach upset.

Ginger helps to reduce the inflammation in the stomach and betters digestion by relieving nausea and vomiting. It also relieves stomach cramps and bloating.

2. NUTMEG

 

Nutmeg is taken and pounded and the juice is obtained. Drink 5ml of Nutmeg juice which checks on discomfort in the stomach. 

It also helps to stop loose stools caused due to food poisoning. nutmeg relieves stomach aches by removing the excess gas from your intestines. Interestingly, nutmeg can also boost your appetite.

3. GHEE 


Consume 1 teaspoon cow’s ghee every day in empty stomach.

Cow ghee helps to improve digestion by revitalizing secretion of enzymes. The ghee is easy to absorb and metabolize because it has the presence of lower chain fatty acids. 

People who have weak digestion should consume ghee as their body can break down food with the help of it. This is one of the rare food items which balances bile without diminishing the intestinal activity of the body.  

4. CLOVE


1 or 2tsp of clove powder with honey taken at bedtime cures stomach upset. 

It also helps to reduce nausea and vomiting. Clove improves the digestion by bettering the functioning of the digestive tract and thereby cures abdominal pain.

5. CUMIN 


Boil the water adding few cumin seeds and drink it warm. 

It helps to eliminate the excess gas formed in the abdomen and relieves the pain. 

6. ALOE VERA


Aloe vera leaves are taken cleaned and the juice is freshly prepared. 

Consumption of aloe vera juice helps to reduce the burning sensation in the stomach. Also, the anti-inflammatory property of Aloe vera helps to reduce gastrointestinal inflammation, which helps to reduce the IBS symptoms.

7. BUTTERMILK 


Freshly prepared buttermilk with an adequate amount of spices like ginger, pepper, a pinch of hingu, green chilies can be consumed. 

Buttermilk is a wonderful remedy in case of indigestion. It helps the food to get digested. Buttermilk can also help to alleviate antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and relieves constipation. Also, buttermilk has rich lactic acid that which helps to neutralize the stomach acid, thereby helping in treating indigestion and its symptoms

8. FENUGREEK 


Soak the fenugreek seeds overnight or for 6-7 hours. Drink water soaked with fenugreek.

The mucilage of fenugreek helps to reduce the heartburn and acid refluxes. 

9. LEMON OR GINGER TEA


          Add some quantity of ginger into a cup of steaming hot water. Add 1 spoon of freshly extracted lemon juice to this. Mix this well and strain it. Add some honey to slightly warm tea and consume it. 

Lemon and ginger tea is a good remedy to stimulate digestion. It also assures to treat bloating of stomach and flatulence. The combination of lemon and ginger is an excellent anti-inflammatory agent which relieves inflammation and acidity in the stomach.