Abdominal pain overview: Difference between revisions
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==Classification== | ==Classification== | ||
Abdominal pain can be classified into three categories: acute abdomen, recurrent, and chronic functional. Abdominal pain is traditionally described by its chronicity (acute or chronic), progression over time, nature (sharp, dull, [[colic]]ky, characterization of the factors that worsen or alleviate pain, and distribution of the pain. | |||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== |
Revision as of 15:15, 14 June 2013
Abdominal pain Microchapters |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Abdominal pain |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Abdominal pain can be one of the symptoms associated with many transient disorders or serious diseases. Making a definitive diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain can be difficult because many diseases present with this symptom, abdominal pain is a common problem. Most frequently the cause of the pain is benign and/or self-limited, but in cases of serious causes urgent intervention may be required.
Classification
Abdominal pain can be classified into three categories: acute abdomen, recurrent, and chronic functional. Abdominal pain is traditionally described by its chronicity (acute or chronic), progression over time, nature (sharp, dull, colicky, characterization of the factors that worsen or alleviate pain, and distribution of the pain.
Diagnosis
Physical Examination
When a physician assesses a patient to determine the etiology and subsequent treatment for abdominal pain, the patient's history of the presenting complaint and their physical examination should derive a diagnosis in over 90% of cases. It is important also for a physician to remember that abdominal pain can be caused by problems outside the abdomen, especially heart attacks and pneumonias which can occasionally present as abdominal pain.
Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiograph is needed to rule out a heart attack, which can occasionally present as abdominal pain.
X Ray
Imaging including an erect chest X-ray and plain films of the abdomen can aid in the diagnosis of the disorder causing the abdominal pain.