There are many conditions that may manifest in gastrointestinal symptoms. The conditions may be inflammatory in nature, infections, traumatic events and cancers among others. There is no doubt that most Greenbelt, MD, residents if not all, have had to deal with some form of abdominal pain at one time or the other. Most of the time, the cause is an underlying structure. In this article, we explore the various types of pain that exist 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 can both be used in identifying the pain. For example, dull and diffuse pain is likely due to a condition affecting a solid internal organ. In contrast, if the symptom is localized and constricting in nature it is probably coming from a hollow or tubular structure such a ureter or the intestines. Another way of utilizing patterns is to study the associated symptoms. The presence of associated diarrhea, for example, suggests an infection.
A number of investigations need to be carried out to differentiate the various possibilities that exist. The nature of these investigations is greatly depended on the problem that is suspected. A septic screen is conducted when an infection is suspected. The screen includes, among other things, a full blood count. This is a determination of levels of cellular components in blood. Of greatest concern is the level of white blood cells. Urine, cerebrospinal spinal fluid are subjected to culture studies as part of this screen.
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.
Treatment is varied and greatly depends on the diagnosis. The good news is that most cases can be managed through a conservative approach. This means that many of them resolve spontaneously without any treatment or may just need a few over the counter analgesic drugs. Antimicrobial agents are needed when an infection is identified and chemotherapeutic drugs used in presence of treatable cancers.
Surgery is used both as a therapeutic and diagnostic option. Examples of conditions that may be diagnosed during surgery include appendicitis, abscesses, tumors and ectopic pregnancies among others. Once the problem has been identified through visualization, the intervention can be undertaken. The operation may be done through the open approach or laparoscopically.
Pain in the abdomen is fairly common. It is associated with a wide range of conditions. Identifying the problem requires that one gives a comprehensive medical history and undergoes a physical examination and investigations. Treatment is dependent on the problem that has been identified.
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 can both be used in identifying the pain. For example, dull and diffuse pain is likely due to a condition affecting a solid internal organ. In contrast, if the symptom is localized and constricting in nature it is probably coming from a hollow or tubular structure such a ureter or the intestines. Another way of utilizing patterns is to study the associated symptoms. The presence of associated diarrhea, for example, suggests an infection.
A number of investigations need to be carried out to differentiate the various possibilities that exist. The nature of these investigations is greatly depended on the problem that is suspected. A septic screen is conducted when an infection is suspected. The screen includes, among other things, a full blood count. This is a determination of levels of cellular components in blood. Of greatest concern is the level of white blood cells. Urine, cerebrospinal spinal fluid are subjected to culture studies as part of this screen.
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.
Treatment is varied and greatly depends on the diagnosis. The good news is that most cases can be managed through a conservative approach. This means that many of them resolve spontaneously without any treatment or may just need a few over the counter analgesic drugs. Antimicrobial agents are needed when an infection is identified and chemotherapeutic drugs used in presence of treatable cancers.
Surgery is used both as a therapeutic and diagnostic option. Examples of conditions that may be diagnosed during surgery include appendicitis, abscesses, tumors and ectopic pregnancies among others. Once the problem has been identified through visualization, the intervention can be undertaken. The operation may be done through the open approach or laparoscopically.
Pain in the abdomen is fairly common. It is associated with a wide range of conditions. Identifying the problem requires that one gives a comprehensive medical history and undergoes a physical examination and investigations. Treatment is dependent on the problem that has been identified.
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