Common Causes of Lower Abdominal Discomfort and When to Seek Help

Lower abdominal discomfort is a frequent complaint among both men and women, with pain levels varying among individuals. Multiple factors can be responsible for such pain, making it difficult to self-diagnose. Consulting a healthcare professional is essential for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Below are some of the most prevalent causes of lower abdominal pain:

Constipation: A common issue caused by difficulty in bowel movements, leading to stretching of the intestines with waste material, often resulting in pain on the lower right abdomen.

Appendicitis: Typically affecting individuals aged 11 to 40, this condition presents with sharp pain in the lower right side, often accompanied by fever, nausea, and loss of appetite.

Hernia: Weakness in the abdominal wall muscles can cause a hernia, resulting in pain in the lower right abdomen, often radiating to the groin and upper thigh.

Testicular Torsion: Twisting of the testicle causes intense pain radiating to the lower abdomen, often with nausea and swelling of the testicle.

Pain episodes can be intermittent initially but may become persistent if the condition deteriorates. Patients may also feel discomfort below the navel.

Kidney Stones: Severe, diffuse pain usually focused on the back arises when stones pass through the urinary tract, often caused by dehydration or certain dietary factors such as processed sugars and high animal protein intake.

Food Poisoning: Ingesting contaminated food with bacteria or parasites causes significant abdominal pain, along with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can last up to 48 hours.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Characterized by abdominal cramping, bowel habit changes like diarrhea, constipation, mucus presence, and a constant urge to go, IBS requires proper management and dietary adjustments for relief.

Crohn’s Disease: An inflammatory condition causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss, often presenting with swelling in the lower right abdomen similar to a grapefruit size, with variable tenderness.

Diverticulitis: Inflammation of small pouches in the colon causes localized pain, often due to fecal matter accumulation within these sacs.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A complication in type 1 diabetes, presenting with dehydration, nausea, rapid breathing, fatigue, and widespread abdominal discomfort.

Cystitis: Bladder infection manifests as burning during urination, lower abdominal pain, cloudy urine, increased frequency, and blood in urine.

Ectopic Pregnancy: Fertilized eggs implanted in the fallopian tube can cause severe abdominal pain and risk rupture, requiring urgent medical attention.

Placental Abruption: Detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall in pregnancy leads to persistent, severe lower abdominal pain, endangering both mother and fetus.

Miscarriage: Loss of pregnancy before 20 weeks causes lower abdominal cramping, bleeding, back pain, and tissue passage.

Salpingitis: Inflammation of the fallopian tubes results in intense pelvic and abdominal pain in women.

Cancer: Growths or tumors in the lower abdomen may produce mild or sharp pain depending on their size and location.

Cholecystitis: Gallbladder inflammation often causes pain in the upper right abdomen that may radiate downward.

Intestinal Obstruction: Blockage in the intestines leads to severe abdominal pain, distension, and vomiting.

While some causes are benign and resolve quickly, others require immediate medical evaluation. Persistent or worsening abdominal pain warrants prompt consultation with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.