Get the facts on the most common causes of abdominal pain. Learn the difference between a stomachache and more serious causes of abdominal pain. Diagnosis of abdominal pain is based on symptoms and the location of pain, like sharp pain in the lower abdomen.

Colic is crying or fussing that begins suddenly, lasting for a total of three hours a day and happening more than three days a week for about three weeks. Symptoms include the baby's face turning red, the belly is distended, the feet may be cold, the hands clenched, and the legs may alternate between being flexed or extended. Treatment may involve ruling out other causes of the fussing and the doctor prescribing anti-gas bubbly medicine.

Drug interactions occur frequently. Get facts about the types of drug interactions, what substances or other things that may interact with drugs such as OTC drug and prescription drugs, vitamins, food(s) (grapefruit), and laboratory tests. Find out how to protect yourself from potential drug interactions.

Important information about your drugs should be reviewed prior to taking any prescription drug. Side effects, drug interactions, warnings and precauctions, dosage, what the drug is used for, what to do if you miss a dose, how the drug is to be stored, and generic vs. brand names.

Heartburn is a burning sensation experienced from acid reflux (GERD). Symptoms of heartburn include chest pain, burning in the throat, difficulty swallowing, the feeling of food sticking in the throat, and a burning feeling in the chest.

Causes of heartburn include dietary habits, lifestyle habits, and medical causes.

Treatments for heartburn include lifestyle changes, OTC medication,prescription medication, and surgery.

Heartburn during pregnancy is quite common. During pregnancy the lower esophageal sphincter muscle becomes weakened , which likely occurs due to the effect of the high levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone during pregnancy. Fortunately, this resolves after pregnancy. Management of heartburn during pregnancy are generally involves lifestyle changes and avoiding foods that promote heartburn, for example, don't smoke, avoid tight clothing, eat small, frequent meals, chew gum, or sip liquids.

The effect of heartburn medications on the fetus is unknown, so it is best to check with your OB/GYN if you feel you need medication to treat heartburn.

Anal itching is the irritation of the skin at the exit of the rectum, known as the anus, accompanied by the desire to scratch. Causes include everything from irritating foods we eat, to certain diseases, and infections. Treatment options include medicine including, local anesthetics, for example, lidocaine (Xylocaine), pramoxine (Fleet Pain-Relief), and benzocaine (Lanacane Maximum Strength), vasoconstrictors, for example, phenylephrine 0.25% (Medicone Suppository, Preparation H, Rectocaine), protectants, for example, glycerin, kaolin, lanolin, mineral oil (Balneol), astringents, for example, witch hazel and calamine, antiseptics, for example, boric acid and phenol, aeratolytics, for example, resorcinol, analgesics, for example, camphor and juniper tar, and

Gas (intestinal gas) means different things to different people. Everyone has gas and eliminates it by belching, burping, or farting (flatulence). Bloating or abdominal distension is a subjective feeling that the stomach is larger or fuller than normal. Belching or burping occurs when gas is expelled from the stomach out through the mouth. Flatulence or farting occurs when intestinal gas is passed from the anus.

Causes of belching or burping include drinking too rapidly, anxiety, carbonated drinks, habit, and swallowing air.

Causes of bloating or distension include tumors, ascites, fluid within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and obesity.

Causes of gas or flatulence are diseases such as sugary foods and drinks, fruits and vegetables, starches (wheat, oats, corn, and potatoes), lactose intolerance, untreated celiac disease, and SIBO.

Treatment for excessive intestinal gas depends on the cause. If anal itching persists, a doctor examination may be needed to identify an underlying cause.

Bloating is a feeling that your abdomen is distended or larger than normal, but it does not necessarily mean that it is. Gas (flatulence) also can be a problem if you are bloated. Common, less serious causes of bloating are eating too fast, too much, or too many fatty foods; swallowing air; pregnancy; and menstruation. Cancer and IBD (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) are examples the more serious causes of bloating.

Examples of foods and drinks that cause bloating are:

• High fiber foods if you don't eat them regularly. Eventually the bloating and gassiness will resolve if you eat them on a regular basis.
• Fatty greasy foods
• Dairy products, for example, cheese, ice cream, milk, and yogurt.
• Foods high in salt, for example, processed, frozen, and canned foods.
• Artificial sweeteners

Some doctors and other health care professionals recommend natural remedies like chamomile or peppermint tea, or pumpkin to relieve bloating. Examples of OTC medicine (medicine available without a prescription) and other products that may relieve bloating and gassiness are, Gas-X, Beano, Pepto Bismol, Metamucil, probiotics, and Ex-Lax for constipation associated with bloating. If you have persistent or severe gas and bloating accompanied by any of these symptoms see a doctor or other health care professional.

• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• Chest pain
• Bloody diarrhea
• Fever
• Chest pain
• If you think you are or think you may be pregnant