abdominal pain is when there is a feeling of pain experienced by a person in their stomach area. This may be located in the upper or lower abdomen. The intensity of the pain can indicate whether it’s a mild stomach ache or a severe acute pain. Various symptoms of abdominal pain may be observed. Below is a guide on how to diagnose abdominal pain.
Cause
In general, abdominal pain can be caused by different things including:
Stomach ulcer
Food poisoning
Appendicitis
Diverticulitis
Gallbladder disease
Cancer (stomach, pancreatic, or liver)
Gynecologic problems
Vascular problems
Kidney stones
Endometriosis
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
For women, abdominal pain may be experienced during pregnancy.
Symptoms
Depending on what caused the abdominal pain, there may be a dull pain feeling in the stomach area. This can peak into stints of sharp pain. The pain felt can also be compared to cramps and twisting. All these can be experienced and are not exclusive to any cause of the abdominal pain.
Symptoms associated with abdominal pain by those who experience it include:
Loss of appetite
Fever
Dehydration
Indigestion
Discomfort (abdomen, chest, or pelvic area)
Constipation
Diarrhea
Heartburn
Tender abdomen
Gas
Bloating
Belching
GERD
Serious symptoms from those who are experiencing abdominal pain include:
Sharp pain lasting for long periods of time
Pain during urination and frequent urination
Blood in the stool
Sudden weight loss
Swelling in a specific area of the abdomen
Yellow tint of the skin
Nausea and vomiting
Diagnosis
With the information gathered above, it is important to diagnose abdominal pain properly. A licensed physician will ask the person who’s exhibiting the symptoms a series of questions. The person’s medical history will also be reviewed to find out if there are any physical conditions that may have been contributing to the pain felt in the abdomen.
A person who is going through a diagnosis for abdominal pain can expect the following:
Physical examination
Complete blood count
Pregnancy test
Ultrasound
Urinalysis
Liver enzymes and pancreatic enzymes tests
Abdomen being X-rayed
CT scan of the abdomen
Colonoscopy
Capsule endoscopy
Various endoscopic procedures and ultrasound
Treatment
When the cause of the abdominal pain has been pinpointed, treatment can proceed. The treatments will differ in medications depending on the symptoms displayed by the person experiencing the abdominal pain. Certain food and beverages may be avoided to ensure that the antibiotics for infections work as intended.
Changes in personal behavior can be expected. However, the most common treatments include:
Pain relievers
Antibiotics
Prescription medications for pain, swelling, ulcers, and GERD
Antidepressants
The more serious cases of abdominal pain may warrant surgery to remove any blockages in the intestines, hernia, or any other organs that are affected.
Prevention
The person who suffers from frequent abdominal pain should find out whether they have any food allergies that they aren’t aware of, physical or mental conditions that can be affecting how their abdomen processes the food and beverages they consume, and other medical conditions that may contribute to their overall health.
The International Foundation For Gastrointestinal Disorders (IFFGD) is your ultimate source of knowlege about digestive health. Visit our website today to learn more about abdominal pain or other complicated conditions.
