Abdominal pain is very common. In the upper part of the abdomen it can be related to stomach acid causing dyspepsia or ulceration. If the acid refluxes into the the oesophagus (food pipe) it causes a burning sensation in the chest area. It is also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These symptoms are usually intermittent and may be worsened by smoking, alcohol or a fatty meal.
Other causes of upper abdominal pain can be related to gallstones and typically is a constant pain particularly after a fatty meal. An ultrasound scan may show a thickened gallbladder with stones or sludge inside the gallbladder.
Occasionally the pancreas can be inflamed due to excessive alcohol, gall stones etc and present with a severe abdominal pain.
Lower abdominal pain is usually due to colic which are spasm of the large bowels and can be associated with excessive gas. It is usually intermittent. The commonest cause of this is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Other less common causes of abdominal pain can be due to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Other causes of upper abdominal pain can be related to gallstones and typically is a constant pain particularly after a fatty meal. An ultrasound scan may show a thickened gallbladder with stones or sludge inside the gallbladder.
Occasionally the pancreas can be inflamed due to excessive alcohol, gall stones etc and present with a severe abdominal pain.
Lower abdominal pain is usually due to colic which are spasm of the large bowels and can be associated with excessive gas. It is usually intermittent. The commonest cause of this is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Other less common causes of abdominal pain can be due to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).