Abdominal pain is one of the most commonly experienced ailments in the world. The abdominal region ranges anywhere between the chest and pelvic regions, any form of pain in these regions can be termed as abdominal pain.
The causes for abdominal pain can be various and can, range from minor illnesses to medical emergencies.

Here are a few causes of abdominal pain, their symptoms, and prevention.

Viral Gastroenteritis
Viral Gastroenteritis also known as the stomach flu. The symptoms can consist of inflammation of the belly and intestines and has numerous causes, The stomach flu or stomach bug is highly contagious and can spread through proximity to people or through contaminated water and food.
The most vulnerable groups to this disease are:
Children under five years of age.
Elderly.
Anyone with a weak immunity system.
There can be numerous ways to catch a form of viral gastroenteritis, some of them are listed below:
Unsanitary methods of food storage.
Preparation of the food is not sanitary.
Contamination of water and food.
Food is exposed to unhealthy bacteria during transport.

The Symptoms of Viral Gastroenteritis are:
diarrhea
vomiting and nausea
fever
pain in the stomach, head, joints or muscles
excessive sweating
Clammy skin

Precautions against Viral Gastroenteritis:
Washing hands often and thoroughly.
The condition is transferable. The Utensils, towels or any other personal things of infected person should not be shared.
Proper cleaning of fruits and vegetables.
avoidance in eating raw or uncooked food.
Vaccination for rotavirus.

Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is a common ailment that affects most people when they eat food that is either rotten or is close to rotting. Food poisoning if not treated properly and on time has the possibility of becoming fatal. It is recommended that medical assistance is sought in order to effectively treat this illness.

Symptoms of food poisoning:
Stomach Ache
Diarrhea for extended periods, If diarrhea persists beyond three days it can be a sign of severe food poisoning
Fever – Mild fevers are common with mild food poisoning. If the temperature continues beyond one hundred and one degrees for an extended period, it can be a symptom of severe food poisoning
Severe dehydration – This includes symptoms like dry mouth and a lack of flow in the urinary stream.
Nausea and Vomiting
General lack of energy and loss of strength
Headaches
Loss of appetite

Precautions against food poisoning:
The most effective way to combat food poisoning is to ensure a healthy diet and hygienic food practices.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS
It is also known as spastic colon, irritable colon, mucous colitis, and spastic colitis. IBS is a chronic condition that can impact daily life in extreme manners. Below are some of the symptoms of IBS

The symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are:
Stomach aches
Stomach Cramps
Abdominal Bloating.
Constipation
Diarrhea

Stress is a common cause for IBS and stress relieving forms of therapy is recommended to patients.

Indigestion
Indigestion also known as dyspepsia is the most common and least severe cause for abdominal discomfort. Below are some symptoms of indigestion.

Symptoms of Indigestion:
Vomiting
Gas
inflammation in the stomach
Most common causes of Indigestion are:
Smoking
More than average consumption of alcohol
Side effects of medicines
Spicy food
Stress