Discomfort In Lower Abdomen

Our abdomen extends from the chest to the hips and includes body organs, like, the intestines, appendix, gallbladder, pancreas and liver. A slight discomfort in the lower abdomen can originate from any of these internal organs. However, pressure in the lower abdomen are annoying sensations occurring in the abdominal region lying below the belly button or umbilicus.

Causes
Pain in the lower abdomen can either be on the right or left side or just below the belly button or umbilicus, in the mid line. Any abdominal pain can be mild or severe, but if it persists, then medical assistance should be sought.

• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Leaking or ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm is the most common cause of lower abdominal pain. It occurs when the largest blood vessel in the body called the aorta becomes bulgy along its course in the abdomen and begins to leak.
• Appendicitis: It's a condition characterized by inflammation of the appendix which leads to intense lower abdominal pain.
• Bladder Infection: Also called cystitis, it's an inflammation of the urinary bladder and ureters causing pain and discomfort in lower right abdomen.
• Bowel Obstruction: Any kind of bowel obstruction causing lack of or partial passage of feces and wind can lead to pain and discomfort in lower left abdomen.
• Crohn's Disease: A common bowel disease, Crohn's disease causes chronic inflammation of the gut.
• Diverticulitis: It's the most common cause of discomfort in lower left abdomen, especially in elderly people. Diverticulitis occurs due to bulging of the wall of the bowel, affecting the sigmoid colon, leading to severe pain in lower left abdomen.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: An ectopic pregnancy occurs when the fertilized ovum starts developing outside the womb (uterus) in one of the tubes, commonly fallopian tube. In rare cases, it occurs in the ovary, stomach area or cervix. But if it gets ruptured, it may cause severe discomfort in the lower abdomen during pregnancy, massive blood loss and so can be life threatening.
• Endometriosis: It is the presence of normal womb tissue outside the womb which may cause severe pain in the lower abdomen during intercourse and menstruation.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): It's a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by bouts of cramping abdominal pain, bloating, gas, passing of little, hard stools and diarrhea.
• Kidney Infection: Also called pyelonephritis, it's an ascending urinary tract infection that may cause discomfort in the lower abdomen in men and women.
• Ovarian Cyst: It's accumulation of fluid, surrounded by a thin wall within an ovary, causing intense abdominal pain that may spread towards the thighs also.

Symptoms
Some common symptoms that might accompany lower abdominal pain are:

• Constipation
• Painful urination
• Vomiting
• Reduced appetite and weight loss
• Fever
• Dizziness and weakness
• Diarrhea

Diagnosis and Treatment
Though it's difficult to diagnose the actual cause and location of lower abdominal pain, the patient can help the doctor by writing down various factors that increase or reduce the pain, other problems that occur along with the lower abdominal pain, like, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. The patient can also undergo some diagnostic tests, like, blood and urine tests, ultrasound images of the abdomen, endoscopy, upper gastrointestinal (GI) x-ray series and CT scan.

Proper rest, taking slow and deep breaths, keeping the lower abdominal area warm by using a warm washcloth or heating pad are some simple techniques that will help in speedy recovery. Drinking enough fluids and increasing fiber intake in the daily diet will relieve the lower abdominal pain or discomfort due to constipation or bowel obstruction.

Therefore, mild or dull abdominal pain can be treated by bringing some healthy modifications in our lifestyles and eating habits. However, if the pain in the lower abdomen becomes intense or worsens with time, it's recommended to consult a doctor for necessary medications.