Information About Abdominal Pain
We Have to Know about the Abdominal Pain
- When the problem is in your abdomen: The site, duration, character, relieving and aggravating factors of the pain are taken into consideration
- When the problem is outside of your abdomen: Diseases of the vertebral column, heart attack, lungs, brain, diabetic ketoacidosis, acute intermittent porphyria, lead poisoning, and sickle cell anemia
Could be dangerous, if the answer is YES for any one of the following questions
- Is the pain severe and sudden?
- Are there associated signs like severe vomiting, distension of abdomen constipation(decreased frequency of bowel
- movements less than 3 times a week) or obstipation (constipation +absence of flatus also), diarrhea, fainting sensation?
Causes of Abdominal Pain
Pain that occurs in half or more of the abdomen -generalized pain, – caused by indigestion and the stomach flu
- Abdominal pain may also radiate to back, shoulder, neck, and groin
- In Infants- Colic
- In children – minor disruptions of normal body functions, organic disorders or emotional problems. urinary tract infection, milk intolerance, appendicitis(most common)
- Pylori (gram-negative bacilli) which causes gastric ulcer
- Kidney stones, gallstones
Do’s and Don’ts of Abdominal Pain
- Do’s – alcohol consumption and smoking should be avoided, drinking a large amount of water is necessary
- Don’ts – spicy food should not be taken
Signs & Symptoms of Abdominal Pain
- Colicky pain
- Jaundice and vomiting
- Blood in the urine
- Diarrhea and/or vomiting
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Vomiting of blood and/or blood passed per rectum
- Epigastric pain
In infants and children
- Crying, Irritability, restlessness, sudden refusal to eat
- Irritability and pulling the legs up to the stomach
Medical advice for Abdominal Pain
- If pain continues to persist and doesn’t relieve on taking rest
Risk factors of Abdominal Pain
- By doing heavy works, spicy food, alcohol consumption, smoking, in late stages it may cause cancer of the part involved
Treatment for Abdominal Pain
- Depends on the cause
Self-care for Abdominal Pain
- Medication is taken regularly
Investigations for Abdominal Pain
- Blood, urine and stool tests
- X-rays of the abdomen
- Ultrasound of the abdomen
