Acute vs. Chronic Abdominal Pain: A Review from Our Experts

If you experience acute abdominal pain that is severe or accompanied by other symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Depending on the underlying cause, treatment may involve medication, surgery, or other interventions.

Chronic Abdominal Pain

Chronic abdominal pain is pain that lasts for three months or longer. It may be intermittent or continuous and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. Some potential causes of chronic abdominal pain include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A chronic digestive disorder that can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): A group of conditions that cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis

• Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, often causing chronic pelvic pain and abdominal pain

• Chronic pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas that persists for an extended period of time, often due to long-term alcohol abuse or other factors.

If you experience chronic abdominal pain, it’s important to talk to your gastroenterologist to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment may involve medications, Gastroscopy Colonoscopy, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications.