What are the most common causes of abdominal pain?
April 21, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Yvonne König
Dear Doctor,
My name is Sven Schneider and I am reaching out to you today because I have been experiencing severe abdominal pain for some time now and I am not sure what could be causing it. The pain occurs mainly after eating and is accompanied by bloating and occasional nausea. I have also noticed that my bowel movements have been irregular lately and I have been experiencing more constipation.
I am very worried as the pain is greatly affecting my quality of life and I do not know what to do about it. I have tried changing my diet and avoiding certain foods, but the symptoms have not improved.
Could the most common causes of abdominal pain and what tests are necessary to determine the exact cause of my symptoms? Are there any possible treatment options that could help alleviate the pain and improve my digestion problems?
Thank you in advance for your help and expertise.
Sincerely,
Sven Schneider
Dear Mr. Schneider,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise. Abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of factors, and it is important to identify the exact cause in order to initiate appropriate treatment.
The most common causes of abdominal pain after eating, accompanied by bloating, nausea, and irregular bowel movements, may indicate issues in the digestive tract. A possible cause could be a food intolerance or allergy, such as lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance. Another possibility is irritable bowel syndrome, in which the intestine is hypersensitive to certain foods or stress.
It is also possible that you may be suffering from a chronic gastrointestinal disease such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, which cause inflammation in the digestive tract and can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and digestive problems. Therefore, it is important to make a comprehensive diagnosis to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.
Various examinations are necessary to clarify the cause of your abdominal pain. These may include a detailed medical history, physical examination, blood tests, stool tests, ultrasound, or possibly a colonoscopy. These tests can determine whether it is a food intolerance, chronic inflammation, or another condition.
The treatment of abdominal pain and digestive problems depends on the exact cause. In some cases, simply adjusting your diet and avoiding triggering foods may be enough. In other cases, medications to relieve symptoms or specific therapy for the underlying condition may be necessary. Relaxation techniques and stress management can also help, as stress can often contribute to digestive problems.
I strongly recommend that you make an appointment with a gastroenterologist or an internist to receive a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, you can try keeping a food diary to determine if certain foods worsen your symptoms, and avoid them if necessary.
I hope that this information helps you and wish you all the best on your path to recovery.
Best regards,
Yvonne König
