Abdominal Pain - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Prof. D. Kannan, Senior Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist at Kauvery Hospital, helps us understand abdominal pain symptoms, its causes, and treatment.

Our abdomen often called the "Temple of Surprises," has nine compartments, in which the upper abdomen, the middle abdomen, and lower abdomen are divided into 3 compartments each. 

Causes of abdominal pain

Abdominal pain is related to the organs underlying a particular area. Depending on the area, the doctor can diagnose the reason.

Upper abdominal pain

The organs in the upper abdomen include the liver, gall bladder, stomach, and spleen. If there is pain in the upper abdomen's right side, it could be a problem with the liver or the gall bladder. Gall stones are a frequent reason. If it is the upper left, it could be the stomach that is affected. 

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Middle abdominal pain

The middle of the abdomen includes the kidneys, pancreas, transverse colon, and small intestine. Any pain around this region could be due to pancreatitis. It could also be an infection or inflammation of the small intestine. If there is shooting pain from the middle of the back to the front and down to the groin, it could be a problem with the kidneys.

Lower abdominal pain

The lower abdomen consists of the appendix, large intestine, rectum, urinary tract, and bladder. If there is localized pain in the left lower abdomen, it could be appendicitis. If the pain is in the lower abdomen above the groin, it could be a UTI or an ovarian problem.

Home care for abdominal pain during the pandemic

Most abdominal pain can be eased with medication and antacids, which your doctor can prescribe over the phone. If it is very severe, it better to go to the hospital.

Tests to Diagnose Stomach Problems

The abdomen is a large area and consists of the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and blood vessels. There are several tests to detect abdominal problems.

Abdominal ultrasound

· Used to evaluate the cause of stomach pain or bloating

· Check for kidney stones, liver disease, tumors, and many other conditions.

· It is safe, non-invasive, and does not use ionizing radiation.

· Is not useful in detecting problems in the stomach and intestine

Cat Scan (Computerized tomography scan)

· Creates cross-sectional images of internal organs of the abdomen like liver, biliary tract, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, intestines, and pelvic organs

· Shows detailed images of bones, muscles, tissues, and blood vessels

· CT scanning is fast, painless, non-invasive, and accurate

· Best test to diagnose stones

· Uses ionizing radiation (Should not be used for children and pregnant women)

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MRE (Magnetic resonance enterography)

· Shows detailed pictures of the small intestine

· Pinpoints inflammation, bleeding, and other problems.

Barium enema

An X-ray exam that detects changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum.

Barium swallow

An X-ray test that helps examinethe back of your mouth and throat and the esophagus.

Diagnostic laparoscopy

It is used to examine the organs inside the abdomen.

Upper GI endoscopy

It helps diagnose and treat gastrointestinal tract problems that include the esophagus, stomach, and the first part of the small intestine.

Colonoscopy

Detects changes or abnormalities in the large intestine and rectum.

Sigmoidoscopy

Examines rectum and lower part of the large intestine.

Abdominal angiogram

· Images the blood vessels of the abdomen to assess the blood flow to organs of the abdomen, such as the liver and spleen

· It is also used to deliver medication into structures of the abdomen to treat conditions

Symptoms of Appendicitis: Sharp Pain in the Right Side of the Stomach?

Appendicitis is a condition for inflammation in the appendix, a small finger-like tube that extends from the large intestine to the right side of the body—the inflammation results in severe abdominal pain. Immediate surgery to remove the appendix is the standard procedure because if left in place, the inflamed appendix would burst and result in the infection spreading through the body, often with the most severe consequences. The appendix is not an essential organ, and removing it does not affect the health in any way.

The Symptoms

The exact nature of the symptoms and the severity may vary significantly from person to person. However, there are some common signs of an inflamed appendix that appear in almost all cases. These include:

• Loss of appetite.

• Fever that may go up to 102 degrees F or even higher.

• A swollen belly.

• Inability to pass gas.

• Pain in the lower abdomen, starting near the navel and then moving further down.

• The pain may increase when coughing, walking or making, and sudden movements.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Dull or sharp pain anywhere in the lower back.

• Pain when passing urine.

• Either constipation or diarrhea.

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While pain in the lower right side of the abdomen is common, the location may vary depending on the patient’s age and the location and size of the appendix.

Contact a Doctor without Delay

If you or someone you know has any or all of the symptoms given above, contact a Best Gastroenterologist in Salem. Because the symptoms of appendicitis are similar to those of bladder or urinary tract infections like gastritis, Crohn’s disease, gallbladder problems, kidney stones, intestinal infections, etc., only a highly qualified and experienced doctor at a hospital with the latest medical equipment will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis. Among the tests, the doctor may use are:

• Physical examination of the abdomen to find signs of inflammation

• Urine tests.

• A Rectal examination.

• Blood tests to look for signs of infection.

• CT Scans.

• Ultrasound.

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Appendicitis is a common medical condition, and treatment is through surgery. As long as the symptoms are caught early, and treatment is begun without delay, there is typically no cause for concern and the patients will be able to make a full recovery and lead a completely normal life in all respects.

What is the Best Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can affect anyone at any age. The condition is a mixture of abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements. The changes could be either more frequent movement or a reduction in the frequency. The type of stool may also change with IBS. IBS itself is not considered to be life-threatening, but it can lead to other more severe conditions such as ulcers, Crohn’s disease, and colon cancer.

Treatment Options

IBS can generally be treated effectively, but the type of treatment that is suitable will differ from patient to patient because the causes of the condition may vary significantly. Among the common causes are reactions to certain foods, medications, infections, emotional stress, and so on.

A person suffering from IBS must contact a medical specialist for a detailed examination to be done so that an accurate diagnosis of the cause can be determined. Only then can a course of treatment be prescribed. The best place to go for a diagnosis and treatment is a reputed hospital with a Best Gastroenterologist in Salem. In the first stage, the doctor may advise changes in the diet and lifestyle. Some of the possible diet changes are listed below.

• Avoid caffeine by not drinking tea, coffee, or soft drinks.

• Increase the amount of fiber in the diet by eating more fruits, nuts, whole grains, and vegetables.

• Increasing the daily water intake.

• Stop smoking and the use of other tobacco products.

• Reduce or preferably stopping alcohol consumption

• Stop the use of recreational drugs and stimulants

• Reduce stress and improve relaxation through yoga or meditation.

• Get more exercise but without overstraining the body.

• Restrict the intake of dairy products

• Control the amount of fried and highly spiced food consumed.

• Eat smaller meals more often. In other words, eat 5 or 6 times a day while keeping the total food intake for the day the same as it was.

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A patient of IBS is often advised to keep a detailed record of all the food and drink consumed. This will make identifying the triggers of the condition more manageable.

If dietary or lifestyle changes do not produce the desired improvement in the patient’s status, the doctor may prescribe medication to bring the problem under control.

IBS can be challenging to recognize. If you have ongoing or regular bouts of abdominal distress, contact a medical specialist to have an examination conducted so that an accurate diagnosis can be provided based on which an effective treatment plan may be devised.