Lower Stomach Pain
When someone complains of lower stomach pain, he is typically not experiencing pain in the stomach at all, but rather somewhere lower in the abdomen. Since this is the location of nearly all of our organs, lower stomach pain can be quite disconcerting. However, lower stomach pain can be caused by nearly any problem, from digestive issues to (in some instances) a panic attack. For this reason, it is important to understand a few of the possible causes of lower stomach pain.
Appendicitis
Lower stomach pain caused by appendicitis is often the most painful type of stomach pain. This lpain is caused by the inflammation of the appendix caused by infection. The cause of infection is unknown, but the disease can strike anyone. Most people feel this type of lower stomach pain in their belly-button area first. Most often, the pain will then adjust to the lower right side of the abdomen. However, many people feel this pain in various areas of the lower stomach, or even in the back. If a pain like this has been problematic for more than 4 hours, contact a physician. Ultrasound and CT scans are the most common ways to diagnose appendicitis.
Uterine Pain
When a woman experiences lower stomach pain, it can actually be caused by the uterus. Uterine pain is typically felt just above the pubic bone or near the hip bones on either side. Occasionally, the pain will radiate to the belly button. Uterine pain can be caused by something as simple as an impending menstrual cycle, early pregnancy implantation or even ovulation. More severe pain, however, may be caused by endometriosis, ectopic pregnancy, fibroid tumors or cervicitis (an infection of the cervix). Consult a doctor for lower uterine pain if you are pregnant, the pain lasts longer than a week or it is accompanied by a ripping or burning sensation.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder that causes lower stomach pain with diarrhea or constipation. While most people experience either constipation or diarrhea, some go through cycles of each. Other symptoms of IBS include bloating and stools containing mucus. Since IBS is a long-term disorder, lower stomach pain experienced in combination with constipation or diarrhea should be assessed by a doctor to begin relieving the symptoms.
Parasites
Parasites like ascaris worms can often cause lower stomach pain, as well as diarrhea and bloating. Travelers must be particularly aware of parasites. Giardia and gastroenteritis are two common parasitic infections that people contract when traveling to countries with bad food or sources of water. Parasitic infections can manifest in a multitude of ways. Most commonly, an infected person will experience lower stomach pain and diarrhea. Parasitic infections can also cause fever, headache, body aches and an overall feeling of illness. Since parasites can actually suck host bodies dry of nutrients, it is important to have all parasitic infections addressed immediately.
Other Causes
Most often, lower stomach pain is not as severe as the above conditions. It is usually caused by strong gas pains, constipation, diarrhea, muscle strain, the flu or a urinary-tract infection. Typically, these problems can all be addressed by over-the-counter medications or by simply waiting the problem out. However, lower stomach pain is occasionally the result of colon cancer, intestinal ulcers, colon polyps, food poisoning, food allergies, bladder stones or kidney stones. If is severe or experienced long-term, it is an important symptom to address.
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