Bemaj Pharmacy

How does abdominal pain looks like?

What other symptoms relate to abdominal pain? – Pain in the abdomen may be experienced as aching, stabbing, burning, twisting, cramping, dull, or a gnawing pain. The pain may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as a feeling of discomfort in the abdomen, bloating, constipation, wind (farting, gas or flatulence), belching (burping), fever, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, fever, dehydration or loss of appetite The pain might be steady or it might get stronger.

It can be made worse — or it can be improved — by changes in posture or by coughing, CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the abdominal pain Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. Describing the pattern and location of your symptoms to a doctor may help them in identifying the cause of your abdominal pain.

These causes include:

Peptic ulcer — The pain is often felt in the upper abdomen, as a knife-like pain which goes through to the back. Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) — The pain usually causes a central burning pain that develops just under the breastbone, and may rise upwards. It may be accompanied by belching. Appendicitis — The pain usually starts near the navel (belly button) before moving down to the lower right abdomen when it becomes more constant. Gallstones or gallbladder irritation — The pain is felt in the upper right abdomen, back or right shoulder. Lower abdominal pain — Also referred to as ‘lower stomach pain’, it is probably coming from your bowel. Period pain — This is usually a dull, cramping pain, felt low down, which may radiate through to the back.

The cause of the pain will affect how long your symptoms will last. Gastroenteritis usually lasts a few days before it clears up. Food poisoning may take a few hours or days to develop and then may last for several days.

Where are abdominal pains located?

Abdominal pain is pain that you feel anywhere between your chest and groin. This is often referred to as the stomach region or belly. Almost everyone has pain in the abdomen at some point. Most of the time, it is not serious. How bad your pain is does not always reflect the seriousness of the condition causing the pain. For example, you might have very bad abdominal pain if you have gas or stomach cramps due to viral gastroenteritis, However, fatal conditions, such as colon cancer or early appendicitis, may only cause mild pain or no pain. Other ways to describe pain in your abdomen include:

Generalized pain – This means that you feel it in more than half of your belly. This type of pain is more typical for a stomach virus, indigestion, or gas. If the pain becomes more severe, it may be caused by a blockage of the intestines.Localized pain – This is pain found in only one area of your belly. It is more likely to be a sign of a problem in an organ, such as the appendix, gallbladder, or stomach.Cramp-like pain – This type of pain is not serious most of the time. It is likely to be due to gas and bloating, and is often followed by diarrhea. More worrisome signs include pain that occurs more often, lasts more than 24 hours, or occurs with a fever.Colicky pain – This type of pain comes in waves. It very often starts and ends suddenly, and is often severe. Kidney stones and gallstones are common causes of this type of belly pain.

You can try the following home care steps to ease mild abdominal pain:

Sip water or other clear fluids. You may have sports drinks in small amounts. People with diabetes must check their blood sugar often and adjust their medicines as needed.Avoid solid food for the first few hours.If you have been vomiting, wait 6 hours, and then eat small amounts of mild foods such as rice, applesauce, or crackers. Avoid dairy products.If the pain is high up in your abdomen and occurs after meals, antacids may help, especially if you feel heartburn or indigestion. Avoid citrus, high-fat foods, fried or greasy foods, tomato products, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.DO NOT take any medicine without talking to your provider.

These additional steps may help prevent some types of abdominal pain:

Drink plenty of water each day.Eat small meals more frequently.Exercise regularly.Limit foods that produce gas.Make sure that your meals are well-balanced and high in fiber. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Get medical help right away or call your local emergency number (such as 911) if you:

Are currently being treated for cancerAre unable to pass stool, especially if you are also vomitingAre vomiting blood or have blood in your stool (especially if bright red, maroon or dark, tarry black)Have chest, neck, or shoulder painHave sudden, sharp abdominal painHave pain in, or between, your shoulder blades with nauseaHave tenderness in your belly, or your belly is rigid and hard to the touchAre pregnant or could be pregnantHad a recent injury to your abdomenHave difficulty breathing

Contact your provider if you have:

Abdominal discomfort that lasts 1 week or longerAbdominal pain that does not improve in 24 to 48 hours, or becomes more severe and frequent and occurs with nausea and vomitingBloating that persists for more than 2 daysBurning sensation when you urinate or frequent urinationDiarrhea for more than 5 daysFever, over 100°F (37.7°C) for adults or 100.4°F (38°C) for children, with painProlonged poor appetiteProlonged vaginal bleedingUnexplained weight loss

Your provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms and medical history. Your specific symptoms, the location of pain and when it occurs will help your provider detect the cause. LOCATION OF YOUR PAIN

Where do you feel the pain?Is it all over or in one spot?Does the pain move into your back, groin, or down your legs?

TYPE AND INTENSITY OF YOUR PAIN

Is the pain severe, sharp, or cramping?Do you have it all the time, or does it come and go?Does the pain wake you up at night?

HISTORY OF YOUR PAIN

Have you had similar pain in the past? How long has each episode lasted?When does the pain occur? For example, after meals or during menstruation?What makes the pain worse? For example, eating, stress, or lying down?What makes the pain better? For example, drinking milk, having a bowel movement, or taking an antacid?What medicines are you taking?

OTHER MEDICAL HISTORY

Have you had a recent injury?Are you pregnant?What other symptoms do you have?

Tests that may be done include:

Barium enema Blood, urine, and stool tests CT scan Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy (tube through the rectum into the colon) ECG (electrocardiogram) or heart tracing Ultrasound of the abdomen Upper endoscopy (tube through the mouth into the esophagus, stomach and upper small intestine) Upper GI (gastrointestinal) and small bowel series X-rays of the abdomen

Stomach pain; Pain – abdomen; Belly ache; Abdominal cramps; Bellyache; Stomachache McQuaid KR. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine,26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 123.

Landmann A, Bonds M, Postier R. Acute abdomen. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery,21st ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2022:chap 46. Smith KA. Abdominal pain. In: Walls RM, Hockberger RS, Gausche-Hill M, eds. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice,9th ed.

Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 24. Weber F. Gastrointestinal and hepatic manifestations of systemic diseases. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger and Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease,11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 37.

What organ is affected by abdominal pain?

Does the pain come and go? – Abdominal pain that comes and goes in waves is called colic, and comes from the contraction of a hollow organ such as the bowel, the gallbladder or the urinary tract. Pain from other organs may be constant – for example stomach ulcers, or pain from an abdominal infection.

What is normal abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain (sometimes called stomachache or bellyache) is usually felt in the part of the trunk below the ribs, above the pelvis and the groin. It can range in intensity from a mild ache to severe, disabling pain. While abdominal pain isn’t normal, it isn’t necessarily serious, and it often resolves itself.

What is the first line for abdominal pain?

Antispasmodics and peppermint oil – Conventional analgesic drugs, such as paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opiates are unlikely to relieve pain in IBS, and some have the potential to exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms. Instead, antispasmodic drugs, including peppermint oil, should be used to ameliorate pain and bloating, based on the theory that dysmotility and gut spasm might be the underlying cause of these symptoms, and that antispasmodics relax gut smooth muscle.

A meta-analysis from 2008 identified 22 studies comparing 12 different antispasmodics with placebo in 1778 patients.55 Fewer patients assigned to antispasmodics had persistent symptoms after treatment compared with those taking placebo (RR=0.68; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.81), although heterogeneity between studies was significant.

The analysis included a wide range of drugs, including some, such as otilonium, cimetropium and pinaverium that are unavailable in many countries. However, hyoscine is commonly prescribed, and pooled results from three RCTs showed that it was an efficacious treatment (RR=0.63; 95% CI 0.51 to 0.78).

1. Conversely, neither mebeverine nor alverine were more efficacious than placebo, although, in both cases, data came from a single small trial.
2. Overall, total adverse events were significantly more common with antispasmodics, particularly dry mouth, blurred vision and dizziness.
3. Another meta-analysis conducted as part of the American College of Gastroenterology guidelines in 2018, 56 and pooling data from seven RCTs, demonstrated a statistically significant result in favour of peppermint oil compared with placebo (RR=0.54; 95% CI 0.39 to 0.76).

However, there was significant heterogeneity between study results, and the overall quality of evidence was low. Total adverse events were no more common with peppermint oil compared with placebo. More recently, network meta-analysis has facilitated comparison of antispasmodics and peppermint oil with other ‘traditional’ IBS treatments.35 Peppermint oil ranked first, and antispasmodics third, for effect on global IBS symptoms, and peppermint oil third, and antispasmodics second, for effect on abdominal pain.

However, it should be noted that the overall quality of trial data for antispasmodics was very low, and many trials were conducted prior to the Rome criteria being established, making comparison between individual trials and treatments problematic. It should also be emphasised that trials of peppermint oil used specific formulations, yet many preparations are widely available for sale to the public.

Formulations designed for sustained small intestinal relief may be efficacious for example, 57 but those designed for ileocolonic release might not.58 It is therefore inappropriate to extrapolate results of the network meta-analysis to all preparations of peppermint oil.

When should I stop worrying about abdominal pain?

High risk groups – Certain groups of people are more likely to have a serious condition when they experience abdominal pain, including:

1. Pregnant women
2. Infants and children below age 5
3. Patients older than 65
4. Patients who have had prior surgeries on their abdomen
5. Patients with numerous other medical problems

Even for physicians, determining which abdominal pain is serious can be a real challenge. Therefore, while the above pointers are helpful, and should prompt evaluation by your doctor or at an emergency department (most abdominal pain cannot be evaluated effectively in an urgent care), any time you have any symptoms that concern you, you should see a doctor right away.

• CapRock is expert with the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal pain and our emergency rooms are open 24-7 where you can be seen immediately.
• Is this pain something to worry about? You may be reclining in your chair or sofa when you start to feel a cramping in your abdominal area.
• The cramping may become so severe that it transitions into actual pain.

You may feel nauseous or sweaty. However, you may not be able to tell if the pain is due to gas, something you ate, or for the women, if it’s the start of a menstrual cycle. While it can be easy to write off stomach pain as something else, there are times when the pain could be a sign of a larger problem.

To determine if you need to call your doctor or head to the, consider some of these signs that could indicate a severe problem. What kind of pain? Sometimes you can tell if the symptoms suggest something more problematic based on the kind of pain that you’re experiencing. For example, if you consider the pain to be widespread, as in, the pain is felt across your abdomen and may extend to other parts of your torso, it could be a sign of indigestion or a stomach virus.

However, pain that is localized in one area could be a sign of a more serious condition with your gallbladder or appendix. If either of these organs rupture or are they have problems functioning, then the consequences could be very serious. Therefore, if your abdominal pain is consistent and localized, you will either want to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you think the pain is mild enough or visit the if the pain is intense.

1. If the pain seems to be more similar to a cramping feeling, it may be harmless.
2. This could be due to menstruation, indigestion, or any other benign problem.
3. However, if the cramping becomes severe and lasts for more than 24 hours, it could be a sign of a larger problem.
4. If the cramping pain is also associated with a fever, then it could be a problem with your kidneys or another organ.

In this case, you should see your doctor or visit the as soon as you can to prevent further damage from occurring to your organs. One final aspect of pain to consider is a colicky kind of pain. This is pain that occurs in waves and could be a sign that something is obstructed.

Your body may be experiencing kidney problems or gallstones. These can cause your body great harm if they’ve become large, so you should contact the, Are there other symptoms? To make that final decision as to whether you should be concerned about your abdominal pain, you should always be on the lookout for additional symptoms.

If you notice any of the following symptoms along with your abdominal pain, then you should call your doctor or visit the, To make that final decision as to whether you should be concerned about your abdominal pain, you should always be on the lookout for additional symptoms.

• Symptoms like vomiting blood, bloody or tarry stools, unable to pass stools but are vomiting, pain extending far beyond the abdominal area, pain is severe or sharp, experiencing shortness of breath, if you’re pregnant or have abdominal distension should all be taken seriously.
• Is it time to make the call?

If you notice any of those symptoms above or your abdominal pain is severe or lasting, then you should go straight to the or at least call your physician right away. Depending on the cause, the call could end up saving your life. At Caprock Health, we can help, please give us a call (979) 314-2323. : When Should You Be Concerned About Abdominal Pain?

What is the best test for abdominal pain?

Tests for abdominal pain – Your doctor may order urine, blood and stool tests. Imaging tests are also helpful for detecting abnormalities inside your digestive system and other organs. These tests may include X-rays, CT scan, ultrasound, barium enema or endoscopy,

How long should you have abdominal pain before seeing a doctor?

Schedule a doctor’s visit – Make an appointment with your doctor if your abdominal pain worries you or lasts more than a few days. In the meantime, find ways to ease your pain. For instance, eat smaller meals if your pain is accompanied by indigestion.

Can abdominal pain be life threatening?

How do I know when to go to the ER for stomach pain? – Because common conditions, like food poisoning or constipation, can cause abdominal pain, it can often be difficult to know when your symptoms require a trip to the ER. If you are having unexplained or severe abdominal pain, or if you are in doubt about the cause of your abdominal pain, it is always best to be examined by a professional.

New onset of pain Chronic abdominal pain Worsening pain Radiating pain Nausea or vomiting Diarrhea Dehydration Bloating or swelling Loss of consciousness Fatigue Weakness Shortness of breath Blood in stool

When you arrive at either of iCare ER & Urgent Care’s state-of-the-art facilities in Fort Worth or Frisco, you will be promptly seen by one of our knowledgeable board-certified ER physicians. Your physician will perform a thorough examination, take a detailed health history, and run any necessary tests – such as lab work or imaging studies – to help elucidate the cause of your stomach pain.

What is normal abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain (sometimes called stomachache or bellyache) is usually felt in the part of the trunk below the ribs, above the pelvis and the groin. It can range in intensity from a mild ache to severe, disabling pain. While abdominal pain isn’t normal, it isn’t necessarily serious, and it often resolves itself.

What does a normal abdomen feel like?

Abdomen – Palpation Chapter 5 – Gastrointestinal System Palpation of the abdomen provides information about the organs associated with the GI system. The palpation technique follows auscultation, so the abdomen is already exposed. Additionally, you should not palpate the abdomen if vascular bruits are present (e.g., aortic, renal, iliac, and femoral).

Avoid a more angled position: this will create a feeling that you are poking the client in the abdominal region, which can be uncomfortable and also does not permit you to assess the area as well. Only the pads of your fingers should be touching the client during light palpation.

3. Begin in the right lower quadrant and proceed clockwise. If the client indicates they have pain in the right lower quadrant, begin in the right upper quadrant instead and palpate the area with pain last.4. Press down about one to two centimeters (light palpation) and move your fingers together in a circular motion.

Sometimes, you will notice voluntary guarding (tense abdominal muscles) as a result of nervousness, pain, cold room temperature or hands of the nurse, or ticklishness. The tenseness of the muscles usually covers the whole abdomen (i.e., bilateral). It can help to ask the client to take a deep breath when you palpate to help them relax the muscles. Remember to use light palpation and do the painful area last. Only expose the abdomen as long as needed so the client stays warm, and warm your hands by rubbing them together. If the client is ticklish, use a sandwich technique: put their hand on top of your palpating hand, and place your other hand over top of both to control the pressure.

5. Lift fingers up together and move on to the next location, ensuring that you palpate every square centimeter of the abdomen in all four quadrants.6. Assess the following:

Overall consistency (soft or firm) and associated pain/tenderness. The abdomen is usually soft upon palpation. Note the location of any firmness and any associated pain/tenderness. The consistency of the abdomen is influenced by the amount of adipose tissue or muscle, but these are symmetrical across the abdomen. Presence of masses, Describe any masses in terms of location, size (dimensions), shape, consistency (soft or firm), and associated pain/tenderness. Presence of swelling, Note the location of any swelling. Presence of pain, If the client feels pain/tenderness upon palpation, note the location and ask them to rate the severity on a scale of 0 to 10. Presence of rigidity and spasms, Rigidity is involuntary firmness/hardness of the abdominal muscles associated with peritoneal inflammation. This rigidity is felt over the inflamed area; it is not bilaterally symmetrical and not voluntary like guarding. You may also feel spasms which are muscle contractions that are often painful.

7. Note the findings,

Normal findings might be documented as: “Abdomen soft to touch with no masses, swelling, pain, and rigidity.” Abnormal findings might be documented as: “Client noted generalized pain all over abdomen upon palpation, rating it 5/10. Abdomen firm to touch in all quadrants. Left lower quadrant mass, circular in shape, 5 x 5 cm.”

Video 5.3 : Palpation of the abdomen If a client has indicated pain/tenderness, palpate that area last. Palpating a painful area of the abdomen first will aggravate the pain and may affect the accuracy of your assessment. Urgent surgical intervention is required when a client has appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix that is at risk of perforating).

• In these cases, client usually presents with an increasing level of pain in the right lower quadrant, often beginning in the periumbilical region.
• This can also be associated with lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, and muscle rigidity.
• If you suspect appendicitis, notify the physician immediately.

Continue to monitor the client, measure vital signs, do not allow the client to take anything by mouth, and begin an intravenous if there are standing orders. A physician or nurse practitioner may assess for rebound tenderness, which involves palpating in the right lower quadrant and quickly removing one’s hand.