Overview Of Abdominal Pain

 

Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. This pain can be located in a defined region as the lower right quadrant, for example, or be totally vague and fuzzy. Because there are many vital organs in the abdominal cavity, the source of pain, must be defined. Abdominal pain may originate in the digestive system or outside of it. It can be caused by;

  1. Food poisoning
  2. Inflammation
  3. Infections within the different organs

Abdominal pain is a common symptom of gastrointestinal disorders such as;

  1. Crohn’s Disease
  2. Ulcerative Colitis
  3. Celiac Disease
  4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  5. And more

In order to make a correct diagnosis, the doctor will seek to analyze the origin and some characteristics of abdominal pain:

  1. Type of pain: abdominal pain may be sharp, cramping, and more or less intense. There may be many varieties of pain.
  2. Duration of pain: abdominal pain can last for any length of time. Contractions can occur in which the pain is more intense until it reaches a “peak” and then decreases slowly.
  3. Onset of pain: abdominal pain can be triggered by food intake, relieved with defecation or vomiting, etc. Therefore, it is important that the physician identifies what the triggering events are and at what times the pain is relieved.

Abdominal pain can be so intense that it can cause the person to be immobilized or affect their lifestyle. Some people adapt to the pain and avoid certain positions, especially at bedtime. This usually happens with people who suffer from stomach disorders and avoid sleeping horizontally, propping themselves up with a pillow behind their backs to prevent nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

The doctor will perform a proper diagnosis that through physical examination and questioning of the patient to learn more about the abdominal pain. The doctor will ask a few questions to know;

  1. How long you are suffering from this pain?
  2. At what time does it worsen?
  3. Where in the specific part of the abdomen it hurts?

The physician will also perform a physical examination by palpating the abdomen to know which organ is affected, and if there is inflammation or not.

After precise questioning and physical examination, the doctor may perform tests to confirm the diagnosis. These diagnostic tests may include

  1. Blood tests
  2. Stool tests
  3. X-rays
  4. Computed tomography
  5. Video endoscopy
  6. Among others

Imaging tests allow your doctor not only to know the cause of abdominal pain, but also to evaluate the status of the affected organ in search of injury or inflammation. On the other hand, the doctor will tell you some recommendations and perhaps some palliative medication until they get more information and address specific treatment to the abdominal pain.

Long Distance Telephone Appointments

If you are not local to the clinic, Michelle Honda PhD Holistic Doctor can conduct telephone appointments with you very easily. So if you are anywhere in North America, you can now successfully receive high end, specialized help for your Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. If you are local to the clinic in Hamilton, Toronto or Mississauga Ontario – by all means come in for your appointment. If not, telephone appointments are very popular and convenient.
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