Abdominal Pain at Night

There are many occasions where you may experience abdominal pain at night, whereas during the day there is no evidence of this discomfort at all. Almost everyone at some point of time in their life may be a victim of stomach pain, which may range from moderate to intense. What may begin as a mild ache in stomach region may increase in severity if ignored.

Pain in the abdominal region may find its origin in the organs located there or also may be radiated towards the abdomen from other parts of the body. This condition may be generalized or localized based on the factors causing it.

There are several causes of abdominal pain, some of which may be treated with the help of home remedies, whereas others may require medical intervention. It is essential to relieve this pain as it may cause a lot of discomfort, and it will also be a hindrance to routine activities.

Here are some of the possible causes for why some people may suffer from stomach pain.

• Indigestion is one of the common complaints for individuals from all age groups. This lower abdominal pain can occur when the stomach is unable to digest food, which is the stored in the intestine, resulting in a bloating sensation, along with pain.

• Another reason which may lead to abdominal ache is constipation. This disorder is a result of improper bowel movements, and also due to lack of proper diet. Stools may harden due to dehydration and lack of fiber, which gives them volume, and makes it difficult for them to pass out of body.

A bowel movement during constipation can trigger pain in the abdomen and lower back region. This condition can also become chronic in the absence of proper treatment.

• Food allergies (like gluten and lactose intolerance) and food poisoning can also lead to a dull ache in the abdominal region. Food allergies may arise when the body does not accept a specific food and reacts to it, causing other symptoms like nausea induced vomiting, fever, and headache along with abdominal pain.

Food poisoning can be caused due to food contaminated with parasites like salmonella or shigella. It can also be caused due to viral infection known as gastroenteritis or stomach flu.

• Diverticulitis is a condition when the intestine becomes infected and swells, as a result of increased pressure in the large intestine, or when some food items get lodged in the colon. This can also cause inflammation and exhibit symptoms like intense abdominal pain, change in bowel habits, and nausea.

• The inflammation of the appendix or appendicitis, due to bacterial or viral infection is also one of the factors for abdominal pain and cramps. This pain is usually dominant in the lower right side of the abdomen. This condition needs prompt medical attention, because if the appendix ruptures, it can lead to complications which can be life-threatening.

• Other reasons for experiencing stomach aches at night, which may also persist during the day, can be due to GERD, stomach ulcers, gallstones, kidney stones, pelvic inflammatory disease, and Crohn's disease. In women, abdominal pain, accompanied by cramps, is mainly experienced during menstrual cycles, or if the woman is suffering from endometriosis.

Since abdominal pain is quite discomforting, people tend to try a number of remedies at home just to get relief from this condition. Herbal teas will help soothe the cramps and also relieve the pain. Drinking plenty of water and fluids, and including fiber rich foods in the diet is an assured way to get rid of constipation.

You can also try over the counter medications and antacids to get relief from this distressing condition. In case of severe problems, visiting a health care provider is advisable. Doctor may treat you according to your complaint and prescribe appropriate medications. In some cases, like for appendicitis, or abdominal aortic aneurysm, surgery may be required.

Since noticing abdominal pain at night as well as during the day can be a sign of some underlying health disorder any changes must be reported to a health care provider, before it is too late.

Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.