Abdominal Pain

Detailed Information About Bloating and Lower Abdominal Pain

June 18, 2022

Overview

Lower abdominal pain is joint and usually occurs in adults. Sometimes lower abdominal pain may accompany by bloating. Bloating with abdominal pain may refer to fullness in your abdomen, with pain felt below the belly button.

Occasional lower abdominal pain is usual, but reoccurrence leads to an underlying condition. You must seek a doctor if you experience regular lower abdominal pain with bloating.

Causes of Bloating and Lower Abdominal Pain:

Several factors may cause bloating and lower abdominal pain. Some are relatively harmless or benign, while others may occur due to chronic medical conditions. The standard and harmless causes may include:

Stress
Consumption of high-fat foods
Swallowing too much air

You may experience sudden pain that may go away on its own without any treatment. Underlying medical conditions may cause bloating with chronic abdominal pain. You may experience pain that lasts longer than six months. These causes include:

Lactose or gluten intolerance
Gastroenteritis
(GERD) Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Delayed stomach emptying, or gastroparesis
IBS (Crohn's disease or Ulcerative Colitis)
Intestinal obstruction
Ileus
Hernia
Cirrhosis
Intra-abdominal cancers
Drug allergies
Side effects of certain medications

Below we discuss the other chronic causes, symptoms, and treatment of bloating and lower abdominal pain.

Constipation

Constipation is uncomfortable if you pass fewer than three bowel moments a week. You may suffer from this condition. Reduced fibre consumption or sudden dietary changes are primary causes of constipation. You may experience difficulty passing stool or dry hard stools. Also, bloating and lower abdominal pain may occur due to trapped gas or a blockage.

Constipation can be prevented and treated by adding fibre to your diet and adopting lifestyle changes. These include:

Eat high-fibre food
Drink plenty of water
Be physically active
Avoid processed food consumption

Although constipation is not a chronic medical condition, regular constipation may indicate the beginning of a severe medical condition.

Trapped Gas

A trapped gas may cause bloating and lower abdominal pain when you certain foods or swallow air, a gas created in your digestive tract. These foods are rich in soluble fibre, the main culprit for making gas in your digestive tract. The example of gas-making food are:

Beans
Foods rich in insoluble fibre, like vegetables
Fructose-containing foods, like onions
Raffinose-containing foods like cabbage and cruciferous vegetables
Foods rich in starch like potatoes and noodles
Lactose-containing food like dairy products

Gas is a common problem, and most people may suffer from this, but some people tend to make more gas in their digestive tract. It includes people who have lactose intolerance or other digestive disorders. You may experience symptoms such as:

Bloating
Burping
Flatulence
Abdominal pain

The trapped gas can cause pain abdominal in different areas. For example, left-side gas may feel like heart-related pain, while right-side gas may feel similar to Appendicitis.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is a chronic medical condition that causes severe lower abdominal pain. Appendicitis is an inflamed appendix that needs urgent medical attention to prevent the organ from busting. An appendix is a small finger-shaped organ attached to the large intestine in the lower right abdomen. You may feel pain in right-sided pain in the stomach. The pain is sudden and severe and grows worse with time. You may experience symptoms include:

Mild fever
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Abdominal swelling
Unable to pass gas
Loss of appetite

Appendicitis is common in people between the age of 10 and 30. But it can happen at any age. If you experience severe pain with the above symptom, seek emergency medical help. Surgery is considered the best treatment to treat Appendicitis. If an inflamed appendix is left untreated, it may burst and cause severe complications that could be fatal.

Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis involves the infection or inflammation of pouches (diverticula) that can form in your intestines. These pouches are not harmful and do not cause any problems. It is more common in older adults. Although diverticulitis is asymptomatic, the bulging can cause abdominal bloating, cramping, and constipation. When the pouch is inflamed or infected, the person may experience left-sided lower abdominal pain. Other symptoms of diverticulitis include:

Fever and chills
Nausea and vomiting
Cramping
Constipation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

An irritable bowel syndrome may be a common medical condition affecting the digestive system. You may experience the symptoms such as:

Bloating
Abdominal pain
Diarrhea or constipation
Mucus in stool
A sensation of an unfinished bowel movement

IBS is a lifelong condition and can be managed by medication and lifestyle changes.

Colitis

Colitis is a chronic digestive tract condition that causes the inflammation of the inner lining of the large intestine. It causes lower abdominal pain that comes and goes or persists. You may experience the following symptoms:

Bloating
Fever
Bloody stool
Diarrhea
Dehydration
Frequent urge to have a bowel movement

Several factors can cause Colitis, such as:

An infection
Food poisoning
Crohn's disease
Ulcerative Colitis
Ischemic Colitis

The treatment of Colitis depends on the above underlying conditions.

Kidney Infection

A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) is a severe infection called infectious cystitis. Bacteria or fungi are the main culprits of kidney infection. The condition may start in the bladder and then travel to the kidneys. You may experience the following symptoms:

Feel pain in your abdomen, back, groin, or side
Feel pain when urinating
Frequent urge to urinate
High fever with chills
Nausea
Vomiting
Pus or blood in your urine
Bad-smelling or cloudy urine

If any of these symptoms may appear, you must see the doctor.

Acute Urinary Retention

Acute urinary retention can be defined as the sudden inability to pass urine. It may become chronic, which is more common in males than women. If you suddenly cannot pass urine, you may experience severe pain in the lower abdomen. Acute urinary retention is a painful medical condition that warrants your trip to the emergency room.

Cystitis

Cystitis is a urinary tract infection more common in females. The disease caused by bacteria causes inflammation. Some other factors may cause cystitis, such as:

A reaction to certain drugs
Radiation therapy
Feminine hygiene spray
Spermicidal jellies
Long-term use of a catheter

Cystitis may show the following symptoms with cramping-like pain in the lower and middle abdomen.

Feel pain in the back
Blood comes in urine
Foul-smelling urine
Cloudy urine
Burning or painful urination
Low-grade fever
Frequent urge to urinate, even after you just pass the urine
Pelvic discomfort

If you experience the above symptoms, immediately seek the doctor. Treatment depends on the underlying condition; it also can be prevented by taking the self measure and lifestyle changes.

Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)

Kidney stones may cause severe lower abdominal pain. These stones are the hard deposits of minerals and salts filtered in the kidneys. You may experience:

Sharp, stinging pain below the ribs, in the side or back,
Pain fluctuates and comes in waves
Pain or burning sensation when passing urine
Pain feels in the lower abdomen and groin

Other symptoms of kidney stones may include:

Blood in the urine cause pink, red, or brown urine
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
A persistent urge to urinate
Burning sensation when passing urine
Urinating in small amounts or more than usual

Small kidney stones may not need any treatment and pass on their own. In comparison, large ones may require treatment.

Female Related bloating and lower abdominal pain

Females may experience bloating and lower abdominal pain due to gynecological factors; these include:

Menstrual cramps
Endometriosis
Ovarian cysts
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
Pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy

Menstrual Cramps

Reproductive-age females may experience menstrual cramps or dysmenorrhea almost every month. These cramps cause lower abdominal mild to severe pain. In addition, some females may experience lower back pain with other symptoms including:

Nausea
Vomiting
Fatigue
Diarrhea

Menstrual cramps are normal and caused by the hormone prostaglandins. These cause strong muscle contractions to force the uterus to expel its content. Menstrual cramps become worsen due to another disorder or infection. The condition is called secondary dysmenorrhea. Several factors contribute to abnormal cramps, such as:

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Fibroids
Endometriosis
Adenomyosis

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is often a severe condition. It occurs when endometrium tissue grows outside the uterine cavity instead of inside. It may develop on the ovaries, bowel, and other parts of the pelvis. It causes lower abdominal pain that can vary from moderate to severe. Some females may have persistent pain, while others feel it only when menstruating or during the one or two weeks before their periods. Other common symptoms of endometriosis are:

Heavy menstrual bleeding
Bleeding between periods
Painful bowel movements
Lower back pain
Pain during or after sexual intercourse

You may suspect endometriosis if you experience the above symptoms. These symptoms are red flags, and you must see your gynecologist for diagnosis and treatment. Endometriosis is a painful condition that may disturb your routine life. Medical and surgical treatment can ease to management or cure the disease.

Ovarian Cysts

The Female has two ovaries present on either side of the uterus. Ovaries do an essential job of producing eggs and hormones estrogen and progesterone. Eggs and hormones are vital for the menstrual cycle and fertility. Sometimes, a fluid-filled sac cyst will develop on one of the ovaries. Cysts can be symptomatic and cause discomfort. You may experience typical symptoms, including:

Abdominal bloating or swelling
Painful bowel movements
Pain during sexual intercourse
Increased menstrual cramps

When this cyst has ruptured or twisted the ovary, you may experience more severe symptoms such as:

Sharp pelvic pain
Nausea and vomiting
Fever
Dizziness

The severe symptoms need urgent medical help. The doctor recommends a pelvic exam or an ultrasound to diagnose ovarian cysts.

Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)

The infection of reproductive organs, the fallopian tubes, ovaries, cervix, and uterus can cause PID. When a condition is left untreated, it may cause severe complications and spread to other reproductive organs. Sexually transmitted infections usually cause PID. It does not show symptoms until you have chronic pelvic pain or have trouble with conception. You may experience the most common symptoms of PID like lower abdominal pain and pelvis and lower back pain. Other symptoms include:

Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Painful or difficult urination
Pain or bleeding during intercourse
Abnormal uterine bleeding
Heavy vaginal discharge with a foul odour

If you experience the above symptoms, make an appointment with your gynecologist. Unprotected sex with multiple partners, douching, and recently have had that IUD inserted are risk factors for PID.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy causes significant changes in a female's body shape. It puts a tremendous strain on the muscles and organs of the lower abdomen, which may cause discomfort in the lower abdomen. During the later stages of pregnancy, women often experience pain from Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions cause tightening abdomen muscle that may come and goes. It helps to prepare uterus muscles for childbirth.

Your midwife or local prenatal team may help you stay healthy during pregnancy. Always ask them for advice to prevent complications in pregnancy. The lower abdominal pain in pregnant women may cause by:

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Kidney stones
Gallstones
Pancreatitis
Appendicitis
Ulcers
Food allergies and sensitivities

Urgently see the doctor if you experience:

Severe, sudden, or unexplained pain
Bleeding
Fever
Chills
Pain when urinating
Unusual vaginal discharge or bleeding
Lightheadedness
Vomiting

Ectopic Pregnancy

The chances of ectopic pregnancy are in about one out of 50 pregnancies. When pregnancy occurs outside of a uterus, the condition is called an ectopic pregnancy. When a fertilized egg attaches to fallopian tubes, it happens. The pregnancy can not complete term and cause a life-threatening risk for the mother. It can cause a rupture of the fallopian tube, the place where it implants. Symptoms of ectopic pregnancies are similar to those of pregnancy like:

Nausea
Tender breasts
Fatigue

But ectopic pregnancies can characterize by:

Sharp pain in the abdomen and pelvis
Vaginal bleeding
Dizziness or fainting
Rectal pressure

Those at greater risk of ectopic pregnancy include:

Mothers over 35 years old
Women who have previously had ectopic pregnancies
Those who have had pelvic or abdominal surgery
Women who have pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) or endometriosis
Those who conceive while undergoing fertility treatments or while an IUD is in place

Urgently see your doctor if you suspect you have an ectopic pregnancy.

When to see a doctor

You see the doctor if:

The symptoms last longer than a few days
The symptoms begin to interfere with their daily life
You are pregnant and are unsure of the cause of LAP and bloating

If you experience lower abdominal pain, bloating, vomiting, or inability to pass gas, seek immediate medical attention. Also, the severe symptoms require emergency medical attention, such as:

Sudden worsening of pain
Fever
Unusual vaginal discharge
Bloody stool
Unexplained weight loss
Severe nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis

The doctor may recommend a series to test to know the exact cause of the lower abdominal pain. The doctor may perform a physical exam before heading to diagnostic tests. Your doctor may gently press the different areas of your abdomen to check for tenderness and swelling. In addition, the doctor may perform a gynecological or rectal exam too. They may also ask how and where you feel pain. Also, the doctor may ask females about their menstruation and sexual history.

The doctor may ask you questions:

Exactly where do you feel pain?
Does this pain always present in this location, or does it shifts?
How severe is the pain?
Does the pain come and go or persist?
Does the pain disturb your routine life?
What were you doing when the pain began?
The pain becomes worst at which time of day?
When did you pass the stool last time?
Does your bowel movements are regular?
Do you notice any changes in your urine?
Do you change your diet?
Does any foods or alcohol trigger your pain?
Do you feel pain during menstruation?
How long your pain lasts?
Are you pregnant?
Do you take any medication or herbal supplements?
Is eating or lying on one side eases the pain?
Does the pain move into your lower back, shoulder, groin, or buttocks?
Does any activity or position make the pain worse?
Were you injured recently?

The doctor will use this information and recommend diagnostic tests such as urine, blood, or stool tests. These tests can help identify signs of infection or other underlying medical conditions. A doctor may order imaging tests if these tests do not show the cause of lower abdominal pain. It helps to check the abnormalities in the abdomen: The imaging tests include:

Ultrasound
X-ray
CT or MRI

An ultrasound is the best imaging method for evaluating unexplained abdominal pain if you are pregnant. If the imaging tests show normal, a doctor may perform a colonoscopy for a closer look inside the intestines.

Treatment

The treatment of lower abdominal pain depends on the cause and underlying medical condition. The doctor may recommend taking the following measures to treat mild abdominal pain.

Over-The-Counter (OTC) medications such as calcium carbonate
Probiotics
Ask you to eliminate foods from your diet that cause indigestion or gas
Recommends complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) such as acupuncture or massage

The doctor may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial infections such as urinary infections. Whereas in digestive disorders such as Colitis or irritable bowel syndrome, which has no cure. The doctor refers to lifestyle changes and prescription medications to manage symptoms. The doctor may prescribe the following drugs in case of severe Ulcerative Colitis:

Immunomodulators
Corticosteroids
Biologics
Aminosalicylates
Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors

Some cases of lower abdominal pain may require surgery. Such as Appendicitis is a life-threatening medical condition that always requires surgery as soon as possible. The appendix may burst if left and can cause peritonitis, a life-threatening infection. Similarly, people with severe Ulcerative Colitis may also need surgery to avoid disease complications. Surgery depends on the severity of the case.

Self-care Measure

You may experience bloating and lower abdominal pain due to digestion issues or menstruation. You can efficiently resolve them at home by taking the following self-care measures. Be physically active because exercising can help release air and gas.

Stay hydrated; it helps reduce constipation.
You can take OTC acid-reducing medications to relieve acid reflux or heartburn.
You can take mild OTC pain killers, such as ibuprofen, which may reduce abdominal pain.

How do I Prevent

Add fibre to your diet by adding more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to prevent constipation. Bloating and lower abdominal pain may cause by certain foods and drinks. You can avoid the following foods to control symptoms.