Abdominal Pain: Know the Cause!!!

Many people have experienced abdominal pain. Since the abdomen contains numerous internal organs, recurrent or severe abdominal pain should not be ignored. Understanding the location of the pain can help identify the possible underlying cause, enabling timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

- Upper abdominal pain: May be associated with disorders of the stomach, pancreas, or liver. If accompanied by chest tightness or chest pain, it may indicate myocardial ischemia.

- Right upper quadrant pain: May be associated with disorders of the liver and gallbladder. If accompanied by jaundice, it may indicate hepatitis or gallstones.

- Left upper quadrant pain: May be associated with disorders of the spleen, pancreas, left kidney, or inflammation of the left lung.

- Periumbilical pain: May be associated with disorders of the small intestine or the early stage of appendicitis.

- Lower abdominal pain: May be associated with disorders of the colon, ovaries, or uterus.

- Right lower quadrant pain: May be associated with appendicitis, inflammation of the terminal ileum, or a right inguinal hernia.

- Left lower quadrant pain: May be associated with disorders of the left colon or a left inguinal hernia.

- Suprapubic pain: May be associated with disorders of the urinary bladder or uterus.

Diagnosis

1. Medical history: Including the onset, characteristics, duration, and location of abdominal pain, as well as associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and constipation.

2. Physical examination: Including abdominal palpation, percussion, auscultation, and assessment for signs of peritoneal irritation.

3. Diagnostic investigations: Such as blood tests, urinalysis, abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), or, in some cases, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy or colonoscopy.

Patients who experience severe abdominal pain lasting longer than 6 hours, worsening pain, or abdominal pain associated with fever, nausea, vomiting, hematemesis, melena, or inability to pass stool or flatus should seek immediate medical attention.

For patients with recurrent abdominal pain, persistent pain at the same location, unexplained weight loss, or a palpable abdominal mass, self-medication should be avoided because it may only provide temporary symptom relief. Medical evaluation is recommended to establish an accurate diagnosis and receive appropriate treatment.

 

 

Reference:

San Paulo Hospital Hua Hin Abdominal Pain: Know the Cause!!!

ArokaGO Providers San Paulo Hospital Hua Hin