What causes bloating and pain in the lower abdomen?

Lower abdominal distension and pain may be caused by indigestion, constipation, dysmenorrhea, pelvic inflammatory disease, cystitis, or other reasons.

1. Indigestion: Overeating, improper diet, or excessive intake of cold beverages may increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, leading to indigestion and subsequent lower abdominal distension and pain.

2. Constipation: Long-term unbalanced diet, lack of physical activity, insufficient water intake, or intestinal dysfunction may all lead to constipation.

3. Dysmenorrhea: Dysmenorrhea primarily results from increased levels of prostaglandins in the endometrium, leading to excessive contraction of the uterine smooth muscle and vascular spasm, causing ischemia and hypoxia in the uterus, which manifests as lower abdominal distension and pain. The pain is often crampy and may be accompanied by back pain or other discomforts.

4. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease: Pelvic inflammatory disease refers to the inflammation of the upper female reproductive tract and surrounding tissues. Inflammatory stimulation can cause lower abdominal distension and pain, often accompanied by fever, increased vaginal discharge, dyspareunia, and other symptoms.

5. Cystitis: Cystitis is usually caused by bacterial infection. Women are more susceptible to cystitis due to their short and straight urethra. Inflammatory stimulation of the bladder mucosa can lead to lower abdominal distension and pain.

Patients should maintain healthy dietary habits, avoid overeating, excessive intake of cold beverages or greasy foods, ensure adequate sleep and appropriate exercise, which can help enhance immune function and prevent the occurrence of diseases.