Abdominal Pain

EDSHO MANUAL

Abdominal pain is a common medical symptom characterized by discomfort in the area between the chest and pelvis. It can arise from a multitude of underlying causes, ranging from benign conditions like indigestion to serious ailments such as appendicitis or pancreatitis.

Types of Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can manifest in various forms, often categorized based on its duration and characteristics. Understanding these types is crucial for diagnosis and treatment.

Acute Abdominal

Pain Acute abdominal pain is typically sudden and can last up to one week. It may arise from a range of causes, some of which can be serious and require immediate medical attention. Common causes include appendicitis, kidney stones, gallbladder stones, and bowel obstruction. Symptoms may also indicate conditions like acute pancreatitis or ectopic pregnancy. Patients often experience sharp, severe pain, which can be localized to specific areas of the abdomen, depending on the underlying issue

Chronic Abdominal Pain

Chronic abdominal pain persists for at least three months and may fluctuate in intensity. It is often associated with ongoing conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or gastritis. Chronic pain can also stem from food intolerances, liver inflammation, and certain cancers.

This type of pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating, constipation, or changes in bowel habits, complicating the diagnosis.

Progressive Abdominal Pain

Progressive abdominal pain is characterized by worsening symptoms over time, often coupled with other significant symptoms. This may indicate serious conditions such as intestinal obstruction or perforation, requiring rapid assessment and potential surgical intervention.

Generalized vs. Localized Pain

Abdominal pain can be further classified into generalized and localized types. Generalized pain is felt over a broad area and is often associated with conditions like gastroenteritis or gas, while localized pain is confined to a specific region, typically indicating issues related to organs like the stomach, appendix, or gallbladder.

Immediate medical attention is required if symptoms include:

• shock

  • rapid heart rate

  • low blood pressure

• a high fever

• significant weight loss

• pain that disrupts sleep

• presence of blood in stool or urine

• jaundice

• severe nausea and vomiting

• difficulty swallowing

• or swelling of the legs or abdomen

Causes of Abdominal Pain

Category	Condition	Description
Acute Abdominal Pain	Gastrointestinal Disorders	Conditions like appendicitis, pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal infections can cause severe pain and may require immediate medical intervention.
	Obstruction and Rupture	Pain due to the perforation of organs, such as a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm or ectopic pregnancy, requires rapid surgical diagnosis and treatment.
	Extra-abdominal Issues	Disorders outside the abdomen, such as heart attacks or pneumonia, can manifest as abdominal pain. Less common causes include diabetic ketoacidosis and certain poisonings.
Chronic Abdominal Pain	Gastrointestinal Disorders	Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and gastritis cause persistent discomfort.
	Reproductive Organ Pain	In individuals assigned female at birth, conditions like endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and pelvic inflammatory disease can cause chronic abdominal pain.
	Musculoskeletal and Psychological Factors	Muscle strains, hernias, stress, and anxiety contribute to abdominal discomfort, indicating a mix of physical and emotional health factors.
	Food Intolerances and Infections	Conditions like lactose intolerance or gastrointestinal infections cause abdominal pain and discomfort. Infectious gastroenteritis, often from contaminated food or water, can become chronic.