Abdominal pain overview
Understanding abdominal pain
Abdominal pain refers to pain affecting the area between the ribs and pelvis and can have many possible causes. Temporary abdominal pain is common and, in most cases, is not a cause for concern.
Abdominal pain tests and diagnosis
Identifying the underlying cause
Specialised tests and investigations will often have already been undertaken by the referring physician or surgeon. It is important to identify and exclude potentially serious conditions before beginning symptomatic treatment for chronic abdominal pain.
Diet can also contribute to abdominal pain in some cases. Low fibre intake may lead to constipation and discomfort, while particular foods such as fatty foods or dairy products may trigger symptoms in some people. Larger meals and insufficient fibre intake may also contribute to constipation and abdominal pain.