What Are the Causes of Abdominal Pain & Soreness?
Abdominal pain and soreness can be caused by many conditions. It's often difficult to determine the exact location and cause of abdominal pain. Abdominal pain may originate from organs in the abdominal cavity, or it may be caused by structures outside the abdomen. MayoClinic.
Abdominal pain and soreness can be caused by many conditions. It's often difficult to determine the exact location and cause of abdominal pain. Abdominal pain may originate from organs in the abdominal cavity, or it may be caused by structures outside the abdomen. MayoClinic.com cite a few causes of abdominal pain that can be attributed to just one area of the abdomen.
Cholera
Cholera can cause abdominal pain and soreness. According to the World Health Organization or WHO, cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium V. cholerae. V. cholerae enters the body when a person consumes contaminated food or beverages. MedlinePlus states that cholera occurs in areas with poor sanitation, crowding, war and famine. Cholera is one of the principle indicators of a country's social development. Common signs and symptoms associated with cholera include abdominal cramps or soreness, dry skin, thirst, lethargy, nausea, dehydration, elevated heart rate, vomiting, fatigue and diarrhea. According to WHO, many people infected with V. cholerae do not develop symptoms, although when sickness does occur, approximately 80 to 90 percent of people experience symptoms that are mild to moderate in severity. Fewer than 20 percent of individuals with cholera will experience moderate or severe dehydration.
Duodenal Ulcer
Duodenal ulcers can cause abdominal pain and soreness. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that a peptic ulcer that occurs in the duodenum--the beginning of the small intestine--is called a duodenal ulcer. Duodenal ulcers are sores that line the duodenum. The principle cause of duodenal ulcers is infection by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori. Another possible cause of duodenal ulcers is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. In rare cases, a duodenal tumor or growth will cause a duodenal ulcer. Common signs and symptoms associated with duodenal ulcers include dull or burning abdominal pain and soreness, weight loss, anorexia or a loss of appetite, bloating, nausea and vomiting and excessive burping. Although many people experience duodenal ulcer-related symptoms, some people experience no symptoms at all.
Bladder Infection
Bladder infections can cause abdominal pain and soreness. Bladder infections or inflammation, also known as cystitis, can be painful and annoying. If left unchecked, bladder infections can cause serious complications, especially if the infection spreads to the kidneys. MayoClinic.com notes that cystitis can also be caused by drug reactions, radiation therapy and other chemical irritants, or an underlying medical condition.
Common signs and symptoms associated with bladder infection include lower abdominal pain or discomfort, a persistent need to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, blood in the urine, strong-smelling urine and a low-grade fever. MayoClinic.com says that certain individuals may have a greater risk for bladder infections, including women who are sexually active, women who use diaphragms for birth control and women who are pregnant.