Abdominal pain is very common. Their causes are extremely diverse, but most often in connection with the digestive organs such as the stomach, intestine or the liver.

The origin can also be gynecological, urinary, and even cardiac or pulmonary.

Abdominal pain and cramps can be localized to different areas of the abdomen, but the terms “stomach ache” or “stomach ache” are often used to define them.

These pains can be mild or severe, chronic or acute, recurrent or occasional, and manifest in the form of cramps, throbbing pain, painful “peaks”, and so on. Often benign, abdominal pain can sometimes be a sign of serious damage, which should be detected and treated quickly. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor if in doubt.

Because there are many organs in the abdomen, the causes of abdominal pain and cramps are very many and varied.

Other symptoms may be associated with them, including fever, nausea, vomiting. It is therefore necessary to take into account the entire clinical picture to be able to guide the diagnosis, hence the importance of consulting your doctor.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the factors that may be involved:

• digestive disorders, such as constipation, gas formation in the intestine, muscle spasms (smooth muscle of the stomach wall, intestine, etc.), gastroesophageal reflux disease , etc.
• gastric and duodenal ulcers

• gastrointestinal infections (gastroenteritis, food poisoning, etc.)
• intestinal obstruction
• appendicitis

• gallstones

• kidney stones, renal colic and urinary tract infections

• ectopic pregnancy, the presence of ovarian cysts, painful periods, etc.

• inflammation of the pancreas, stomach, liver, colon, peritoneum, etc.

• Crohn’s disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases

• damage to the pleura: pneumothorax, pleurisy
• various cancerous pathologies.

The localization of abdominal pain sometimes makes it possible to specify their cause.

• in the umbilical area (around the navel): the main organ in the area is the intestine. To a lesser extent, the pain can also be related to damage to the stomach or pancreas.

• the epigastric zone (at the top and in the center of the belly): the pains can be caused by an attack on the level of the stomach mainly, but also of the liver or the heart (which can “at a distance” cause pain in this place )

• the hypogastric zone (located between the pubis and the navel, in other words in the center and at the bottom): the intestine and the bladder are probably the organs at the origin of the pain in this place. This is also where the uterus is located in women.

• the left flank (to the left of the navel): damage to the intestine, spleen and kidney can cause pain in this area

• the right flank (to the right of the navel): it may be damage to the intestine, gall bladder, kidney, etc.

• left hypochondrium (on the left and top of the belly): the pains come mainly from the intestine, but they can also indicate an attack of the pancreas, the stomach, the kidney, the spleen, or the lung

• right hypochondrium (on the right and top of the belly): damage to the liver mainly, but also to the intestines and pancreas

• left iliac fossa (lower left of the belly): the colon, kidneys, urinary tract, as well as the ovaries and fallopian tubes in women

• right iliac fossa (lower right of the belly): damage to the appendix, urinary tracts, kidneys, and ovaries and fallopian tubes in women

Some pains can be diffuse and affect the whole belly. In this case, it could be an inflammation of the peritoneum, Crohn’s disease, or even food poisoning. However, some locations are misleading and only a full medical examination will determine the cause.

Treatments to relieve abdominal pain and cramps depend on their cause.

Some of the most common medications used for mild pain include:

• antispasmodics

• charcoal and digestive dressings

• laxatives

• herbal medicine and homeopathy can also relieve pain in the abdomen

To prevent abdominal pain associated with poor digestion, it is advisable to eat slowly and favor balanced menus.