Why does lower abdominal pain occur? (Lower Abdominal Pain) Let's find out exactly about this

Do you sometimes feel pain in your lower abdomen, or something like a cramp in your lower abdomen? There are times when you feel worried because you can't figure out if this is just normal gas or a symptom of some other serious illness. This is actually a common problem that many people have. So today, let's talk about what this lower abdominal pain is, what causes it, when we should be worried about it, and when we should see a doctor.

First of all, where is this 'underbelly'?

Simply put, the area below your belly button and above your pubic bone is what we call the lower abdomen. This area contains many of the body's most important organs. So when you experience pain, it can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint exactly where it's coming from.

Imagine, in this area there are:

• Our small intestine
• Colon
• Appendix
• In women, the ovaries and uterus are called
• Bladder and ureters

A problem in any of these organs can cause lower abdominal pain. Sometimes, pain in an organ that is a little further back, like the kidneys, can also come forward and feel like a lower abdominal ache.

What are the main causes of lower abdominal pain?

Since our intestines take up most of the space in the lower abdomen, the pain is often related to digestive system problems.

1. General digestive system problems

These are not things to be afraid of.

• Gas in the stomach: Some foods we eat can cause gas in the stomach and cause lower abdominal pain.
• Constipation: If you haven't had a bowel movement in a few days, the pressure inside your intestines increases and you experience cramps.
• Diarrhea: You may feel a pain as if your intestines are being twisted during bowel movements.
• Indigestion: This type of pain occurs when certain foods are difficult to digest.

2. Less serious digestive system diseases

Sometimes, if the pain persists or gradually increases, it may be a symptom of a disease.

• Intestinal infections: Viral or bacterial infections can cause inflammation of the intestines (enteritis, colitis) and pain.
• Ulcers: Ulcers in the intestine can also cause pain.
• IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease): This is a long-term condition in which the body's immune system attacks the intestines.
• Appendicitis: Many people have heard of this. This is an infection and swelling of the small part of our large intestine called the appendix. This usually causes severe pain in the lower right abdomen. This is an emergency.
• Diverticulitis: Small pouches (diverticula) develop in the walls of the large intestine, which become infected with bacteria. This pain often occurs in the lower left abdomen.

Reasons specific to women

Since the organs of the female reproductive system are located in the lower abdomen, pain can also occur in that area. Sometimes it is difficult to tell whether this is menstrual pain or intestinal pain.

• Menstrual cramps: Although this is normal, if the pain is unbearable at times, it may be a symptom of another condition.
• Endometriosis: Tissue that should grow inside the uterus grows outside the uterus, especially in places like the ovaries and fallopian tubes. This causes severe pain during menstruation and other times.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): An infection of the reproductive system. This can also cause symptoms such as lower abdominal pain and fever.
• Ovarian Cysts: Small, fluid-filled cysts develop on the ovaries. Some of these can be painful.
• Uterine Fibroids: These are non-cancerous tumors, but they can also cause heavy bleeding and pain.

Are there other reasons?

Yes, in addition to the digestive system and reproductive system, lower abdominal pain can also be caused by problems with the urinary system.

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): When there is an infection in the bladder or urethra, you may experience lower abdominal pain, a frequent need to urinate, and a burning sensation when urinating.
• Kidney Stones: When a kidney stone travels down the urethra, it can cause severe pain. This pain can radiate from the back to the lower abdomen.

Right side? Left side?

We can sometimes guess the cause based on the direction the pain comes from.

• Lower right abdomen: This can often be associated with appendicitis , so never ignore severe pain in the right side.
• Left lower abdomen: Most often, left side pain is caused by diverticulitis, a condition that occurs in the large intestine.

When should we seek immediate medical attention?

Normal gas pain will subside within a few hours. But if you have any of the symptoms below, don't waste time and see a doctor or go to the hospital. If the pain is severe, it's best to go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

Are there things you can do at home?

If the pain is not too severe, like a normal gas problem or menstrual cramps, you can try these things:

• Apply a hot water bottle to the lower abdomen.
• Get some rest.
• Drink a hot tea with things like peppermint and ginger.
• If the pain is due to digestive discomfort, eat only light foods (e.g. soup, porridge) for a while.

But remember, these are only for temporary relief. Don't take any painkillers without knowing exactly what is causing the pain and consulting a doctor. Doing so may mask the symptoms and miss a serious underlying condition.

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