How To Manage Abdominal Pain
Symptoms related to the gastrointestinal system are the result of varied medical conditions. Examples include, among others, inflammatory diseases, infections, cancerous processes and ulcers among others. Most of us (if not all)in Greenbelt, MD, have had to deal with abdominal pain at one time or the other. The majority of these cases are due to disorders affecting the underlying structures. We will explore the various types of this pain and how to manage them.
One of the first steps in the identification of the source of pain is to determine the region in which it is most severe. It is very likely that the source of the discomfort is related to the underlying anatomical structures. For example, if the symptom is most severe in the flanks, the source is likely to be the kidneys, the liver (on the right) or the spleen (on the left). More central pain often has its origin on the intestines.
The character and pattern of the symptom also helps determine the source in a big way. For instance, pain that is predominantly constricting is most likely related to a hollow organ such as the intestines, the gall bladder or the ureters. On the other hand, dull and diffuse pain is often due to conditions affecting solid internal organs. Associated symptoms may also help shape the pattern. If pain is associated with diarrhea, for instance, an infection is most likely present.
After the history and the physical exam, the next thing that needs to be done is to have some investigations. These will mostly be guided by the suspected diagnosis. In case an infection is suspected, a septic screen is conducted. This involves, among others, a full blood count. The focus here is to establish whether there is an increase in the number of white cells and the subtypes affected. Other components of the screen include cerebrospinal fluid analysis, urine culture and blood culture.
Radiological studies play an important role in diagnosing abdominal conditions. Plain radiographs (X-rays) are used in studying the distribution of fluids (liquids and gases). Distension caused by the presence of gas is usually seen when there is intestinal obstruction. Ultrasound, MRI and CT scan have greater resolution and are most useful in assessing solid organs such as the pancreas, the liver, the spleen and the kidneys among others.
The treatment varies depending on the underlying condition. A majority of cases can be managed expectantly or may resolve with the administration of over the counter analgesic agents. Antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents are usually administered when an infection is present. If the cause of symptoms is an ulcer then the most appropriate medication will be an antacid or mucosal protective agent. Metastatic tumors such lymphomas may benefit from chemotherapeutic drugs.
Surgical intervention has two main benefits. It may be used in making the diagnosis such as in the case of acute appendicitis, ectopic pregnancies, tumors and abscesses and may be a therapeutic intervention. Surgery not only allows the surgeon to see where the problem is through direct visualization but also ensures that the area is accessible for any interventions to be undertaken. Both open and laparoscopic approaches can be used.
Pain originating from the abdomen has numerous sources. The important is that one gives a comprehensive history and undergoes a physical examination to help identify the origin. The management will be guided by what is identified or suspected.
One of the first steps in the identification of the source of pain is to determine the region in which it is most severe. It is very likely that the source of the discomfort is related to the underlying anatomical structures. For example, if the symptom is most severe in the flanks, the source is likely to be the kidneys, the liver (on the right) or the spleen (on the left). More central pain often has its origin on the intestines.
The character and pattern of the symptom also helps determine the source in a big way. For instance, pain that is predominantly constricting is most likely related to a hollow organ such as the intestines, the gall bladder or the ureters. On the other hand, dull and diffuse pain is often due to conditions affecting solid internal organs. Associated symptoms may also help shape the pattern. If pain is associated with diarrhea, for instance, an infection is most likely present.
After the history and the physical exam, the next thing that needs to be done is to have some investigations. These will mostly be guided by the suspected diagnosis. In case an infection is suspected, a septic screen is conducted. This involves, among others, a full blood count. The focus here is to establish whether there is an increase in the number of white cells and the subtypes affected. Other components of the screen include cerebrospinal fluid analysis, urine culture and blood culture.
Radiological studies play an important role in diagnosing abdominal conditions. Plain radiographs (X-rays) are used in studying the distribution of fluids (liquids and gases). Distension caused by the presence of gas is usually seen when there is intestinal obstruction. Ultrasound, MRI and CT scan have greater resolution and are most useful in assessing solid organs such as the pancreas, the liver, the spleen and the kidneys among others.
The treatment varies depending on the underlying condition. A majority of cases can be managed expectantly or may resolve with the administration of over the counter analgesic agents. Antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents are usually administered when an infection is present. If the cause of symptoms is an ulcer then the most appropriate medication will be an antacid or mucosal protective agent. Metastatic tumors such lymphomas may benefit from chemotherapeutic drugs.
Surgical intervention has two main benefits. It may be used in making the diagnosis such as in the case of acute appendicitis, ectopic pregnancies, tumors and abscesses and may be a therapeutic intervention. Surgery not only allows the surgeon to see where the problem is through direct visualization but also ensures that the area is accessible for any interventions to be undertaken. Both open and laparoscopic approaches can be used.
Pain originating from the abdomen has numerous sources. The important is that one gives a comprehensive history and undergoes a physical examination to help identify the origin. The management will be guided by what is identified or suspected.
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Find super tips on how to get abdominal pain relief quickly and more info about a reliable pain doctor Greenbelt MD area at http://www.metropain.org right now.
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