吃瓜官网

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

Five 吃瓜官网 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

Urinary retention occurs when the bladder doesn鈥檛 empty completely, says a 吃瓜官网 urologist. Causes 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.

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 吃瓜官网.

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