Abdominal Pain
The question many people face when they develop abdominal pain
is "when do I need to have it checked out?"
Obviously that is a question that does not have a simple
answer. Abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of disease
processes that are often difficult to distinguish without an
experience physician's examination. However, there are some
clues that might tip you off to the most commonly seen causes of
abdominal pain.
Appendicitis - Aching pain in the right lower
abdomen that develops gradually and progressively over the course
of 1-3 days. It is often accompanied by fever, loss of
appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is often
exacerbated by jarring movements such as jumping. It does
require surgery, so if there is any question, please seek medical
care.
Gallstones - Pain is in the right upper
abdomen and will often follow meals. It can be episodic and
is frequently accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea and fevers.
Risk factors include female gender, obesity, middle age, and a
history of having several children. Gallstones also require
surgery so seek medical care for an evaluation and likely an
Ultrasound.
Kidney Stones - Pain is severe and begins
suddenly in either flank. It is often accompanied by blood in
the urine, a sensation of needing to urinate frequently, and
radiation of the pain down toward the groin. Medications to
control pain and nausea are frequently needed.
Pancreatitis - This an illness frequently
seen in alcohol abusers or those with gallstones but can have other
causes. It causes a severe pain in the upper mid-abdomen and
is almost always associated with vomiting. It does require
pain and nausea medications to control the symptoms in most
cases.
Ulcers/Gastritis - Burning pain in the upper
midline or off to either side. It is episodic in nature and
is usually worsened by eating. Medications are usually
required to alleviate the symptoms.
Urinary Tract Infection - Lower midline pain
that is worsened by urination. There is often a burning
sensation, frequent urination, and urgency of urination. This
can progress if untreated to pyelonephritis which is an infection
involving the kidneys that can result in kidney damage.
Pyelonephritis is often accompanied by fever, vomiting and flank
pain. UTI and Pyelonephritis are both treated with
antibiotics.
Small Bowel Obstruction - In those
individuals with a history of hernias or previous abdominal
surgery, an obstruction to the intestinal tract can result in pain
and vomiting. This will require admission to the hospital and
possible surgery.
Gastroenteritis (or stomach flu) - The final
and least dangerous but most common illness we will discuss is
gastroenteritis which is usually viral in origin. It results
in vomiting, diarrhea and often chills and body aches.
Typically, it will resolve in a day or two, but may require IV
therapy and or medications to control the symptoms.