Abdominal Pain – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Abdominal pain refers to pain felt in the area between the chest and the pelvis. It is one of the most common symptoms encountered in medicine.
Wissenswertes über "Abdominal Pain"
Abdominal pain refers to pain felt in the area between the chest and the pelvis. It is one of the most common symptoms encountered in medicine.
What is Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal pain is pain that occurs in the area of the abdomen -- the region of the body between the chest and the pelvis. The abdominal cavity contains many vital organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and, in women, the uterus and ovaries. Because so many structures are located here, abdominal pain is one of the most common and complex symptoms in medicine.
The pain can vary widely in character -- it may be described as sharp, dull, cramping, burning, or colicky. It can come on suddenly or develop gradually, and may be constant or intermittent.
Causes
There are many possible causes of abdominal pain. Common ones include:
- Gastrointestinal conditions: Gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis
- Infections: Gastroenteritis (stomach flu), appendicitis
- Gallbladder and liver: Gallstones, biliary colic, hepatitis
- Pancreas: Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Urinary tract: Kidney stones, urinary tract infections
- Gynecological causes: Menstrual cramps, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease
- Vascular causes: Aortic aneurysm, intestinal ischemia
- Functional causes: Gas, constipation, stress-related complaints
Symptoms and Associated Complaints
Abdominal pain may occur on its own or alongside other symptoms. Common accompanying complaints include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Fever and chills
- Bloating and a feeling of fullness
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in urination
When to See a Doctor
Mild, short-lived abdominal pain is often harmless. However, medical attention should be sought promptly in the following situations:
- Severe, sudden-onset pain
- Pain that persists for more than a few hours
- Accompanying symptoms such as high fever, blood in the stool, or vomiting blood
- A rigid, board-like abdomen (possible sign of peritonitis)
- Pain combined with loss of consciousness or circulatory problems
Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history (anamnesis) and physical examination. Additional diagnostic tools may include:
- Blood and urine tests: To detect signs of inflammation, infection, or organ damage
- Ultrasound (sonography): Imaging of the abdominal organs
- X-ray or CT scan: For suspected serious causes
- Endoscopy: Gastroscopy or colonoscopy to directly assess the mucosal lining
Treatment
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:
- Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics for infections, acid blockers for stomach conditions, antispasmodics for cramping
- Dietary changes: For irritable bowel syndrome, food intolerances, or digestive tract inflammation
- Surgery: For appendicitis, gallstones, or bowel obstruction
- Stress management: For functional or psychosomatic causes
References
- Longo, D.L. et al. - Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 21st Edition. McGraw-Hill, 2022.
- Talley, N.J. and O'Connor, S. - Clinical Examination: A Systematic Guide to Physical Diagnosis, 8th Edition. Elsevier, 2022.
- World Health Organization (WHO) - International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Available at: https://icd.who.int
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Related search terms: Abdominal Pain + Abdominal Pains + Stomach Pain + Stomach Ache