喵咪社区

When abdominal pain strikes, it can be hard to focus on anything else.

Five 喵咪社区 experts explain common causes and how to treat them.

Digestion problems

鈥淭he digestive system 鈥� or gastrointestinal (GI) tract 鈥� is a large network of organs, and each one is vulnerable to different conditions or illnesses,鈥� says gastroenterologist James Buxbaum, MD. Differentiating between the many possibilities depends on location and type of pain.

Three common examples include:

Celiac: Pain and nausea after eating gluten.

Pancreatitis: Severe pain in the uppercentral abdomen.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Cramping, diarrhea (sometimes with blood) or constipation.

Treatment options: Dietary adjustments, quitting alcohol and smoking, medications.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs):

UTIs are common in people with female urinary tracts. 鈥淚t鈥檚 normal to get one or two infections a year,鈥� says urogynecologist Elodi Dielubanza, MD. 鈥淏ut if you鈥檙e getting them more frequently, talk to your doctor so they can investigate the root cause. And stay hydrated 鈥� urinating flushes away UTI-causing bacteria.鈥�

Symptoms:

• Acute lower abdominal pain.
• Painful, burning urination.
• Blood in urine.
• Fever (sometimes).

Treatment: Antibiotics.

Gynecological conditions:

鈥淔or people who menstruate, severe pain that occurs monthly can suggest a gynecological condition such as endometriosis or fibroids,鈥� says gynecologist Anna Reinert, MD.

Endometriosis symptoms:

• Debilitating pain for one to several days.
• Usually does not show up on imaging.

Fibroid symptoms:

• Feeling of fullness or weight in the pelvic area.
• Heavy menstrual flow.

Treatment options: Medication, minimally invasive surgery.

Gallbladder stones

Genetics, a fatty diet and blood disorders like sickle cell anemia can lead to gallstones, which 鈥渃an cause inflammation or block bile flow after a fatty meal, leading to biliary colic,鈥� says Mohd Raashid Sheikh, MD, MHA, a hepatobiliary surgeon.

Symptoms:

• Sharp pain in the upper-right abdomen.
• Pain may radiate to right shoulder.
• Nausea or vomiting (sometimes).

Treatment: Gallbladder removal.

Urinary retention

鈥淯rinary retention occurs when the bladder doesn鈥檛 empty completely,鈥� says urologist Jullet Han, MD. 鈥淐auses include an enlarged prostate, uncontrolled diabetes, nerve injuries, bladder tumors or pelvic organ prolapse. It can lead to discomfort and, if untreated, affect kidney function, so seeing a doctor is important.鈥�

Symptoms:

• Lower abdomen fullness or pain.
• Not voiding urine for a long time, or small, frequent voids.

Treatment options: Foley catheterization, medications, surgery or pessary.

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Kate Faye

Kate Faye is an editor and writer for 喵咪社区.

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