Abdominal pain refers to discomfort experienced anywhere between the chest and groin. This common symptom can range from mild and temporary to severe and persistent, originating from various sources within the abdominal cavity. An evaluation by a healthcare provider is a structured process designed to understand the characteristics and potential source of the discomfort. This process helps determine the appropriate next steps for management and care. Here’s more information on abdominal pain and physical evaluations:
Causes of Abdominal Pain
Pain can be described by its nature, location, and what might be associated with it. Understanding the potential origins and characteristics of abdominal pain is a key part of the evaluation process. The abdomen houses many organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Abdominal pain may originate from any of these structures.
Causes of Pain
General categories linked to abdominal discomfort include digestive issues, temporary infections, or inflammation. For some individuals, discomfort may be related to menstruation. The location of the pain can provide clues to its cause, as the upper, lower, left, and right abdominal regions correspond with different organs. Some common causes of abdominal discomfort include:
- Ulcers
- Inflammation or Infection
- Appendicitis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
- Croh’s Disease
- Endrometriosis
Types of Pain
Pain can be categorized to help describe the sensation a person is feeling. Generalized pain is felt across more than half of the abdomen, and this type of discomfort is often associated with indigestion or a stomach virus. Localized pain is confined to one specific area of the abdomen and may indicate an issue with a particular organ, like the appendix or gallbladder.
Colicky pain comes in waves, often starting and ending suddenly. It can be severe, and this pattern is frequently associated with issues like kidney stones or gallstones. Some body pain may have accompanying symptoms, like cramps and bloating. Cramp-like pain is a rhythmic discomfort that may be linked to digestive or menstrative concerns.
Examinations for Abdominal Pain
When you see a healthcare provider for abdominal pain, the evaluation follows a systematic approach. It will begin with a detailed conversation where you will be asked about your symptoms. This intake includes questions about your medical history, the specific location of the pain, its intensity, and its duration. You will also describe the nature of your pain, discussing any factors that make it better or worse.
Following the discussion, a physical examination is performed. The provider will typically check your vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. They will then gently press on different areas of your abdomen, often divided into four quadrants, to check for tenderness, swelling, or masses. Depending on the initial findings, routine tests may be recommended. These could include basic lab work like blood or urine tests, or imaging studies such as an X-ray or ultrasound, to gather more information.
How Pain is Diagnosed
Your provider analyzes your medical history, the results of the physical exam, and any test results to identify patterns. Diagnosing the source of your pain is a process that assesses all the information gathered during your evaluation. The cause of discomfort may become clear quickly, but some cases require further observations. This careful observation focuses on systematically ruling out possibilities to arrive at an accurate diagnosis of the issue.
Schedule an Appointment
Persistent or severe abdominal pain can impact daily life, necessitating a medical evaluation. If you are experiencing discomfort, contact medical specialist to schedule a consultation. They can perform a thorough examination and recommend the proper course of action based on your individual circumstances. Learn more about your organ health today.
