When is a stomach ache more than just a stomach virus, indigestion, or gas? When it becomes chronic, meaning it lasts for several days or reoccurs over several months. There are many causes for chronic abdominal pain, each requiring a specific course of action to ease the discomfort.

Abdominal pain is a persistent ache felt in the abdomen area, which is defined as being between the diaphragm and pelvic bone and expanding to just beyond the ribs. Generally, abdominal pain originates from organs in the abdominal cavity, including the stomach, liver, small intestine, gallbladder, pancreas and colon. A problem in other parts of the body, including the kidneys, ovaries and uterus, could create abdominal pain as well.

In the majority of cases, abdominal pain is nothing serious, even though it could range from a small ache to a sharp pain or cramping. Some of the more typical reasons for abdominal pain are constipation, a stomach virus, food poisoning, indigestion, gas, menstrual cramps, food allergies, or a urinary tract infection. Relief from common abdominal pain can often be achieved through home care, such as taking aspirin, an antacid, or applying heat.

Abdominal pain is considered chronic when it lingers for more than two weeks. Both adult and children can suffer from chronic abdominal pain. Children ages 4 to 18 can suffer chronic abdominal pain resulting from irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, abdominal migraine, or functional abdominal pain syndrome. Generally, muscle relaxants, antispasmodic medications, or cognitive-behavior therapy are prescribed to ease the pain, or in the case of dyspepsia, acid reduction therapy is used.

In some chronic abdominal pain situations, inflammation is caused by diverticulitis, colitis, or appendicitis. A distention of an organ, which occurs from a blockage in the intestine, or from gallstones or hepatitis, also leads to constant abdominal pain. A loss of blood supply, such as with irritable bowel syndrome, is also a common cause of abdominal pain. Other situations that can lead to chronic abdominal pain are ulcers, endometriosis, a hernia, kidney stones, Crohn’s disease, pelvic inflammatory disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as GERD.

Generally, abdominal pain that is accompanied by a fever or lasts for several days requires medical attention. A description of the pain, its exact location, when it occurs and the severity of the pain will help in its diagnosis. Along with a physical examination, other tests used to diagnose the root of abdominal pain are a complete blood count, endoscopy, ultrasound, X-rays, CT scan, stool and urine tests, testing of liver and pancreatic enzymes, and barium swallows or enemas.

The location of the abdominal pain helps in narrowing the cause. For example, pain from diverticulitis is centralized to the lower left area of the abdomen, while pain from appendicitis is on the right side in the lower abdomen area. On the other hand, gallbladder pain is normally in the right side of the upper abdomen, while pancreatitis pain is felt in the upper abdomen, as well as the upper back. Crohn’s disease is often signaled by pain in the right lower abdomen, while intestinal blockage is less of a pain and more of a cramp-like discomfort.

There are several treatments to address chronic abdominal pain. For ulcers or GERD, medications can be prescribed. However, pain caused by a hernia, appendicitis, ruptured ulcer, or gall stones typically requires surgery.

Unless stemming from a life-lasting disease, chronic abdominal pain can be treated effectively and prevent reoccurrence. Once the problem is diagnosed and treatments begin, the pain diminishes greatly.