How To Deal With Abdominal Pain
There are many conditions that may manifest in gastrointestinal symptoms. The conditions may be inflammatory in nature, infections, traumatic events and cancers among others. There is no doubt that most Greenbelt, MD, residents if not all, have had to deal with some form of abdominal pain at one time or the other. Most of the time, the cause is an underlying structure. In this article, we explore the various types of pain that exist and how to manage them.
One of the first steps in the identification of the source of pain is to determine the region in which it is most severe. It is very likely that the source of the discomfort is related to the underlying anatomical structures. For example, if the symptom is most severe in the flanks, the source is likely to be the kidneys, the liver (on the right) or the spleen (on the left). More central pain often has its origin on the intestines.
The pattern and character of this symptom is also a useful tool in determining its origin. Constricting pain is usually due to a tubular structure such as the intestine, the ureters or the gall bladder among others. Dull, diffuse pain, on the other hand, is likely to be traced to a solid organ. Associated symptoms may provide more clues. For example, if associated with failure to pass stool, its presence is highly suggestive of intestinal obstruction or constipation.
A number of investigations need to be carried out to differentiate the various possibilities that exist. The nature of these investigations is greatly depended on the problem that is suspected. A septic screen is conducted when an infection is suspected. The screen includes, among other things, a full blood count. This is a determination of levels of cellular components in blood. Of greatest concern is the level of white blood cells. Urine, cerebrospinal spinal fluid are subjected to culture studies as part of this screen.
Radiological images go a long way into localizing the source. Plain radiographs are useful in assessing the distribution of fluids within the abdomen. For instance, in the event of intestinal obstruction, gaseous distension of intestines can be easily seen. Ultrasound, CT scan and MRI are mainly used when one needs to asses internal solid organs such as the liver, the spleen, the pancreas and the kidneys among others.
Treatment is varied and greatly depends on the diagnosis. The good news is that most cases can be managed through a conservative approach. This means that many of them resolve spontaneously without any treatment or may just need a few over the counter analgesic drugs. Antimicrobial agents are needed when an infection is identified and chemotherapeutic drugs used in presence of treatable cancers.
Surgery is used both as a therapeutic and diagnostic option. Examples of conditions that may be diagnosed during surgery include appendicitis, abscesses, tumors and ectopic pregnancies among others. Once the problem has been identified through visualization, the intervention can be undertaken. The operation may be done through the open approach or laparoscopically.
Pain originating from the abdomen has numerous sources. The important is that one gives a comprehensive history and undergoes a physical examination to help identify the origin. The management will be guided by what is identified or suspected.
One of the first steps in the identification of the source of pain is to determine the region in which it is most severe. It is very likely that the source of the discomfort is related to the underlying anatomical structures. For example, if the symptom is most severe in the flanks, the source is likely to be the kidneys, the liver (on the right) or the spleen (on the left). More central pain often has its origin on the intestines.
The pattern and character of this symptom is also a useful tool in determining its origin. Constricting pain is usually due to a tubular structure such as the intestine, the ureters or the gall bladder among others. Dull, diffuse pain, on the other hand, is likely to be traced to a solid organ. Associated symptoms may provide more clues. For example, if associated with failure to pass stool, its presence is highly suggestive of intestinal obstruction or constipation.
A number of investigations need to be carried out to differentiate the various possibilities that exist. The nature of these investigations is greatly depended on the problem that is suspected. A septic screen is conducted when an infection is suspected. The screen includes, among other things, a full blood count. This is a determination of levels of cellular components in blood. Of greatest concern is the level of white blood cells. Urine, cerebrospinal spinal fluid are subjected to culture studies as part of this screen.
Radiological images go a long way into localizing the source. Plain radiographs are useful in assessing the distribution of fluids within the abdomen. For instance, in the event of intestinal obstruction, gaseous distension of intestines can be easily seen. Ultrasound, CT scan and MRI are mainly used when one needs to asses internal solid organs such as the liver, the spleen, the pancreas and the kidneys among others.
Treatment is varied and greatly depends on the diagnosis. The good news is that most cases can be managed through a conservative approach. This means that many of them resolve spontaneously without any treatment or may just need a few over the counter analgesic drugs. Antimicrobial agents are needed when an infection is identified and chemotherapeutic drugs used in presence of treatable cancers.
Surgery is used both as a therapeutic and diagnostic option. Examples of conditions that may be diagnosed during surgery include appendicitis, abscesses, tumors and ectopic pregnancies among others. Once the problem has been identified through visualization, the intervention can be undertaken. The operation may be done through the open approach or laparoscopically.
Pain originating from the abdomen has numerous sources. The important is that one gives a comprehensive history and undergoes a physical examination to help identify the origin. The management will be guided by what is identified or suspected.
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