How To Manage Abdominal Pain
Symptoms related to the gastrointestinal system are the result of varied medical conditions. Examples include, among others, inflammatory diseases, infections, cancerous processes and ulcers among others. Most of us (if not all)in Greenbelt, MD, have had to deal with abdominal pain at one time or the other. The majority of these cases are due to disorders affecting the underlying structures. We will explore the various types of this pain and how to manage them.
The first step in identifying the cause of pain is its location; the point where it is most intense. If this area is the epigastric region, then the most likely origin is the stomach. The individual will most likely be suffering from peptic ulcer disease or gastritis or rarely, hepatitis. Centrally located pain is most often related to the intestines while that in the flanks may indicate a liver problem (on the right flank), a splenic disorder (left flank) or kidney issue (either side).
The character and pattern of the symptom also helps determine the source in a big way. For instance, pain that is predominantly constricting is most likely related to a hollow organ such as the intestines, the gall bladder or the ureters. On the other hand, dull and diffuse pain is often due to conditions affecting solid internal organs. Associated symptoms may also help shape the pattern. If pain is associated with diarrhea, for instance, an infection is most likely present.
After the history and the physical exam, the next thing that needs to be done is to have some investigations. These will mostly be guided by the suspected diagnosis. In case an infection is suspected, a septic screen is conducted. This involves, among others, a full blood count. The focus here is to establish whether there is an increase in the number of white cells and the subtypes affected. Other components of the screen include cerebrospinal fluid analysis, urine culture and blood culture.
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.
Management of this condition is widely varied. It is mostly dependent on the underlying diagnosis. For a majority of the conditions no form of treatment is needed. Others may just require a few over the counter drugs. Persons with peptic ulcers will experience relief when they take antacids. Those in whom an infection has been demonstrated antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics, antifungals and antiviral drugs will be administered depending on which of these pathogens is present.
Surgical intervention has two main benefits. It may be used in making the diagnosis such as in the case of acute appendicitis, ectopic pregnancies, tumors and abscesses and may be a therapeutic intervention. Surgery not only allows the surgeon to see where the problem is through direct visualization but also ensures that the area is accessible for any interventions to be undertaken. Both open and laparoscopic approaches can be used.
Pain in the abdomen is a very common complaint. While many of the cases resolve spontaneously, there are others that are more serious and require further investigation and more aggressive interventional measures. Inflammatory conditions, infections, drugs, trauma and tumors are all possible causes.
The first step in identifying the cause of pain is its location; the point where it is most intense. If this area is the epigastric region, then the most likely origin is the stomach. The individual will most likely be suffering from peptic ulcer disease or gastritis or rarely, hepatitis. Centrally located pain is most often related to the intestines while that in the flanks may indicate a liver problem (on the right flank), a splenic disorder (left flank) or kidney issue (either side).
The character and pattern of the symptom also helps determine the source in a big way. For instance, pain that is predominantly constricting is most likely related to a hollow organ such as the intestines, the gall bladder or the ureters. On the other hand, dull and diffuse pain is often due to conditions affecting solid internal organs. Associated symptoms may also help shape the pattern. If pain is associated with diarrhea, for instance, an infection is most likely present.
After the history and the physical exam, the next thing that needs to be done is to have some investigations. These will mostly be guided by the suspected diagnosis. In case an infection is suspected, a septic screen is conducted. This involves, among others, a full blood count. The focus here is to establish whether there is an increase in the number of white cells and the subtypes affected. Other components of the screen include cerebrospinal fluid analysis, urine culture and blood culture.
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.
Management of this condition is widely varied. It is mostly dependent on the underlying diagnosis. For a majority of the conditions no form of treatment is needed. Others may just require a few over the counter drugs. Persons with peptic ulcers will experience relief when they take antacids. Those in whom an infection has been demonstrated antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics, antifungals and antiviral drugs will be administered depending on which of these pathogens is present.
Surgical intervention has two main benefits. It may be used in making the diagnosis such as in the case of acute appendicitis, ectopic pregnancies, tumors and abscesses and may be a therapeutic intervention. Surgery not only allows the surgeon to see where the problem is through direct visualization but also ensures that the area is accessible for any interventions to be undertaken. Both open and laparoscopic approaches can be used.
Pain in the abdomen is a very common complaint. While many of the cases resolve spontaneously, there are others that are more serious and require further investigation and more aggressive interventional measures. Inflammatory conditions, infections, drugs, trauma and tumors are all possible causes.
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Find super tips on how to get abdominal pain relief quickly and more info about a reliable pain doctor Greenbelt MD area at http://www.metropain.org right now.
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