Abdominal Pain
Abdominal Pain | |
Causes | Food Reactions, Stress, Infections |
---|---|
See Also | Digestive Conditions, Constipation, Dysbiosis, GERD, Heartburn, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Diverticulitis |
Books | Books on Digestive and Liver Conditions |
Articles | Articles on Digestive Conditions |
Abdominal pain refers to pain in the abdominal or "belly" region, between the chest and the pelvis. Pain occurring in this region may originate from several different body systems and it is therefore vitally important to work with a naturopathic or medical doctor to ensure a thorough assessment before treating any presenting symptoms. One of the most important differentiations is whether the discomfort is acute or chronic.
Contents
Naturopathic Assessment
Causal Factors
In order to stimulate the innate ability of the body to heal the causes of disease must be identified and addressed. Abdominal pain or discomfort is a common symptom associated with a number of conditions. Some specific causes of abdominal pain include:
Lifestyle
- Food Reactions including food allergies, food sensitivities, lactose intolerance, celiac disease, food poisoning or response to bad food.
- Eating too quickly, eating too much or eating too late at night can all result in abdominal discomfort.
Social
- Being stressed while eating can increase the likelihood of having abdominal discomfort.
Environmental
- Acute abdominal pain is commonly associated with bacterial, viral, parasitic or fungal infections.
Common Questions
- Where is the pain?
- Point to where you feel the pain
- What does the pain feel like?
- Does the pain travel anywhere?
- How intense is the pain (scale of 1 - 10)?
- Does anything make the pain better or worse?
- When did the pain start start?
- How has it changed since the onset?
- Does it occur with menstruation?
- Are you taking any medications?
- Have you had any recent injuries or surgeries?
- Are you pregnant?
- Do you have any other symptoms?
Diagnostic Testing
When abdominal pain is chronic or severe and when dietary changes do not relieve the discomfort the following tests may be indicated:
- Physical Exam
- A thorough physical exam including an abdominal exam.
- Blood tests may include a CBC, amylase, lipase, Liver Function Tests, Kidney Function Test, hCG hormone testing
- Imaging Studies that may be indicated include an Abdominal ultrasound, Radiography, Colonoscopy, ECG
Related Symptoms and Conditions
Abdominal discomfort is commonly associated with the following conditions:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dysbiosis
- GERD
- Heartburn
- Acid Indigestion
- Food Allergies
- Food Sensitivities
- Lactose Intolerance
- Celiac Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Crohn's Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Diverticulitis
- Cholecystitis (Gallstones)
- Kidney Stones
- Pancreatitis
- Appendicitis
- Abdominal blockages
- Ischemia (lack of blood flow) to organs in the abdominal cavity, the gastrointestinal tract, or heart (Myocardial Infarction)
- Endometriosis
- Menstrual cramps
- Muscle strain
Naturopathic Treatment
The goal of naturopathic treatment is to support and work in tandem with the healing power of the body and to address the causal factors of disease with individual treatment strategies. Once you know the cause of the pain or the underlying condition you will know how to treat it appropriately.
It is always advisable to work with a naturopathic doctor before engaging in any treatment plan.