Chronic Abdominal Pain

Chronic abdominal pain refers to ongoing or recurrent pain in the abdomen lasting for three months or longer. It is a complex condition that can significantly affect a person's quality of life and may involve various underlying causes.

Symptoms

• Persistent or recurrent abdominal pain (dull, sharp, or cramp-like).
• Pain intensity may vary from mild to severe.
• Associated gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.
• Pain may worsen after eating, during stress, or at specific times of the day.
• Unexplained weight loss, fever, or blood in stools in some cases (indicative of serious conditions).

Causes

Chronic abdominal pain may arise from functional or structural abnormalities, and the causes can be broadly classified into:

Gastrointestinal Causes:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A functional disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits.
• Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
• Peptic Ulcers: Sores in the stomach or intestinal lining due to H. pylori infection or NSAID use.
• Gallstones: Blockage or inflammation of the gallbladder.
• Celiac Disease: Gluten intolerance causing intestinal inflammation.

Non-Gastrointestinal Causes:

• Gynecological Conditions: Endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease.
• Urinary Tract Issues: Recurrent urinary tract infections or kidney stones.
• Chronic Pancreatitis: Persistent inflammation of the pancreas.

Psychological Factors:

• Stress, anxiety, and depression may exacerbate or contribute to functional abdominal pain.

Other Causes:

• Adhesions from previous surgeries or abdominal migraines (common in children).

Treatment

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and focuses on symptom relief and addressing specific conditions:

Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications:

• A balanced diet, avoiding trigger foods, adequate hydration, and regular exercise.
• For IBS, a low FODMAP diet may help.

Medications:

• Antispasmodics for pain relief.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antacids for acid-related conditions.
• Antibiotics for infections like H. pylori.
• Laxatives or anti-diarrheal agents for bowel regulation.