Abdominal pain is classified as severe and chronic. Abdominal pain is often a functional , i.e. without an actual illness in the abdominal cavity. The cause of such pain may be e.g. gas, intestinal irritation syndrome.

In case of abdominal pain it is important to assess:

• character of pain (haughty, tiring, sharp, hideous, etc.)
• location of pain
• radiance (with shoulder, back, etc.)
• symptoms associated with pain (eg, yellowing of the skin, changes in urine / faeces, fever)

Possible causes for acute abdominal pain are:

• acute inflammation
• gall bladder or kidney stones/lithiasis
• tight abdominal cavity
• ileus
• acute inflammation of female genitalia
• pancreatic inflammation
• trauma

Chronic abdominal pain is often the cause of stomach and duodenum ulcers, functional dyspepsia (indigestion, food intolerance). Also non-digestive organs can cause abdominal pain such as an infarction, tumorous processes.

Treating abdominal pain depends on its causes, so it is wise to contact your family doctor or family nurse to get recommendations for treatment. If necessary, the specialist will be further involved.