Types of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is a common complaint that can be caused by a variety of medical conditions. It can range from mild to severe and can be acute or chronic. Abdominal pain can be localized to one area or may be more widespread. Common causes of abdominal pain include indigestion, constipation, gas, ulcers, appendicitis, gallstones, kidney stones, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, and other infections.
Acute Abdominal Pain
Acute abdominal pain is usually sudden in onset and of short duration, lasting from a few minutes to a few days. Common conditions that can cause acute abdominal pain include appendicitis, gallstones, food poisoning, intestinal obstruction, and urinary tract infections.
Chronic Abdominal Pain
Chronic abdominal pain is pain that lasts for more than three months and is often due to an underlying condition such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcers, or Crohn’s disease. Other causes of chronic abdominal pain include endometriosis, pancreatitis, and celiac disease.
Referred Abdominal Pain
Referred abdominal pain is pain that originates from organs outside the abdomen but is felt in the abdomen. Common causes of referred abdominal pain include heart attack, pneumonia, and shingles.
Visceral Abdominal Pain
Visceral abdominal pain is caused by stimulation of the nerves in the organs of the abdomen. This type of pain is usually a dull ache and is difficult to pinpoint. Common causes of visceral abdominal pain include pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Parietal Abdominal Pain
Parietal abdominal pain is caused by irritation of the lining of the abdomen. This type of pain is usually sharp and localized to one area. Common causes of parietal abdominal pain include appendicitis, diverticulitis, and gallstones.