Abdominal Pain

Causes of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can be caused by a lot of intra-abdominal viscera. Gastroenteritis, abdominal cramp, and irritable bowel syndrome are the commonest causes of abdominal pain. Inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer may also lead to abdominal pain.

Irritable Bowel Sydnrome

In addition to abdominal pain, patients with irritable bowel syndrome usually complain of constipation or diarrhea. The form of stool may change during attack. The cause of irritable bowel syndrome may be multiple. Abnormal gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, bacterial overgrowth, low grade inflammation, dietary factors and psychological stress.

Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome include antispasmodic, anti-diarrheal agent, anti-depressants and antibiotics. Dietary modification, regular exercise, biofeedback and hypnosis are non-pharmacological treatment.