Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can be caused by a wide range of conditions because it’s a symptom associated with many different bodily processes. Common causes include gas, indigestion, constipation, stomach flu, food poisoning, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Other, more serious causes can include appendicitis, gallstones, kidney stones, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis. The specific cause of abdominal pain can often be determined by its location, severity, and accompanying symptoms.

Mild abdominal pain often resolves on its own or can be treated with simple home remedies, such as rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications for symptoms like indigestion or gas. However, severe abdominal pain that is sudden, sharp, and persistent, or is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, persistent vomiting, blood in stool or vomit, jaundice, severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen, or swelling of the abdomen, requires immediate medical attention. Additionally, if the pain is so severe that you cannot sit still or find a comfortable position, it’s crucial to seek medical help promptly, as this could indicate a serious condition like appendicitis, an abdominal aortic aneurysm, or ectopic pregnancy, among others.

The choice of diagnostic tests for abdominal pain depends on the suspected underlying cause, based on the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. Common diagnostic tests include:

• Blood tests to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or organ function.
• Urine tests to identify urinary tract infections or kidney stones.
• Stool tests to detect the presence of blood, infection, or inflammation in the digestive tract.
• Imaging tests such as X-rays to check for obstructions or abnormalities in the abdominal organs, ultrasound to visualize organs like the gallbladder, liver, and kidneys, CT scans for detailed cross-sectional images, and MRIs for high-resolution images of soft tissues.
• Endoscopic procedures, like a colonoscopy or gastroscopy, to visually examine the interior of the digestive tract for signs of inflammation, bleeding, or tumors.

The specific tests ordered will depend on the suspected condition and the clinical judgment of the healthcare provider.