Harvard Health Publishing Has Answers To Common Questions About Abdominal Pain.

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What are the reasons for abdominal pain?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

There are so many reasons for abdominal pain. The best way to think about your pain is to ask yourself the following questions: • Did the pain start abruptly in the past one to two hours, or has it been going on for a few days or even longer? • Which part of the abdomen hurts the most, or does it hurt all over? • Does the pain come and go, or is it steady? • What is the quality of the pain: sharp, dull, burning? • Does the pain stay localized, or does it move to the back or up into the chest? • Are you having other symptoms, such as fever, chills, diarrhea? By answering these questions, you can narrow down the possibilities.

What are some causes of abdominal pain?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

There are so many causes of abdominal pain. Rather than providing a long list, it’s more helpful to consider the following: • Is the pain all over, or is localized to one part of the abdomen? • What are the features of the pain? Does it come and go or always present? Crampy, burning or sharp? Does the pain stay in one place or radiate to the back? • Are there changes in bowel movements: diarrhea, constipation, blood, mucous? • Can you maintain hydration? If not, are you vomiting or have fever? Not being able to stay hydrated should always prompt a call for medical advice or an immediate medical evaluation? Based on these answers, the list of possible causes becomes more manageable.

→ Learn more about abdominal pain: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.

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What is the most effective way to get rid of stomach aches?

Answered by Dr. Howard E. Lewine

M.D. Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 40 years of experience · USA

There are so many causes of stomach aches. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause and what other symptoms the person has.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.