Lower Abdominal Pain
Lower abdominal pain is a symptom of many different kinds of conditions, illnesses and diseases. Minor lower abdominal pain usually does not indicate anything serious; however, if pain is intense or chronic, it may indicate a medical emergency, such as appendicitis, or diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome or colon cancer. Discuss this kind of pain with a doctor before attempting to treat it at home.
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Types
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It is important to note whether pain is a cramping, aching or sharp pain and if it is intermittent or continuous. Menstruation and minor intestinal disturbances, for example, tend to cause cramping pains. Ovarian cysts, appendicitis and food poisoning tend to cause sharper pains.
Features
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Lower abdominal pain is pain below the navel. Many conditions can cause pain in this area; menstruation, ovarian cysts, urinary tract infection, bladder infection, irritable bowel syndrome, bacterial or viral intestinal illness, intolerance to certain foods, food poisoning, appendicitis, colon polyps, colon cancer and many other conditions are possible causes of this pain.
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Symptoms
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Intense pain in the right lower abdomen, with or without fever, is a symptom of appendicitis.
If diarrhea accompanies lower abdominal cramping, food poisoning, food intolerance or other intestinal illnesses are the most common causes.
When pain occurs around or during the menstrual cycle, chances are higher it is due to ovarian cysts or a related issue. You should discuss this pain with a gynecologist.
No matter the potential cause, if pain is very intense, you feel nauseous or are running a fever, do not hesitate--get help as soon as possible.
Prevention/Solution
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If lower abdominal pain is severe or chronic, always get medical help and advice before self-treating at home. Solutions to pain vary, of course, according to the cause. However, in general, ibuprofen and similar pain relievers will ease menstrual cramps. Soothing warmth from a hot pack or hot water bottle will also soothe these cramps.
Little can be done for pain stemming from an intestinal infection. Doctors will prescribe antibiotics for some bacterial infections, and pain should cease once the infection is under control.
Appendicitis often requires surgery, called an appendectomy, to remove the inflamed appendix.
Warning
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Sharp pains, intense pain or new pain that does not appear to be related to minor intestinal illness or menstruation should be checked out immediately. In addition, if you have a fever, you may have a serious infection and should get help. Appendicitis, for instance, can be fatal if untreated.
Considerations
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Recent changes in diet--more fiber, for instance--is another possible cause of minor lower abdominal pain, especially if this pain accompanies changes in bowel movements as well (diarrhea or constipation).
Although appendicitis often causes right-side pain, in some cases pain is transferred to the left side or the back.
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