The question many people face when they develop abdominal pain is "When do I need to have it checked out?"
Obviously that is a question that does not have a simple answer. Abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of disease processes that are often difficult to distinguish without an experience physician's examination. However, there are some clues that might tip you off to the most commonly seen causes of abdominal pain.
Appendicitis - Aching pain in the right lower abdomen that develops gradually and progressively over the course of 1-3 days. It is often accompanied by fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is often exacerbated by jarring movements such as jumping. It does require surgery, so if there is any question, please seek medical care.
Gallstones - Pain is in the right upper abdomen and will often follow meals. It can be episodic and is frequently accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea and fevers. Risk factors include female gender, obesity, middle age, and a history of having several children. Gallstones also require surgery so seek medical care for an evaluation and likely an Ultrasound.
Kidney Stones - Pain is severe and begins suddenly in either flank. It is often accompanied by blood in the urine, a sensation of needing to urinate frequently, and radiation of the pain down toward the groin. Medications to control pain and nausea are frequently needed.
Pancreatitis - This an illness frequently seen in alcohol abusers or those with gallstones but can have other causes. It causes a severe pain in the upper mid-abdomen and is almost always associated with vomiting. It does require pain and nausea medications to control the symptoms in most cases.
Ulcers/Gastritis - Burning pain in the upper midline or off to either side. It is episodic in nature and is usually worsened by eating. Medications are usually required to alleviate the symptoms.
Urinary Tract Infection - Lower midline pain that is worsened by urination. There is often a burning sensation, frequent urination, and urgency of urination. This can progress if untreated to pyelonephritis which is an infection involving the kidneys that can result in kidney damage. Pyelonephritis is often accompanied by fever, vomiting and flank pain. UTI and Pyelonephritis are both treated with antibiotics.
Small Bowel Obstruction- In those individuals with a history of hernias or previous abdominal surgery, an obstruction to the intestinal tract can result in pain and vomiting. This will require admission to the hospital and possible surgery.
Gastroenteritis (or stomach flu)- The final and least dangerous but most common illness we will discuss is gastroenteritis which is usually viral in origin. It results in vomiting, diarrhea and often chills and body aches. Typically, it will resolve in a day or two, but may require IV therapy and or medications to control the symptoms.
This list is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all illness which can cause abdominal pain. Rather, it is intended as a basic guide for the general public.
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