Abdominal Pain

Abdominal Pain
Digestive
Disease Myths
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Appendicitis &
Appendectomy
Salmonella
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Medical Author: Jay W.

Marks, MD
Medical Editors:
Bhupinder Anand, MD
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MD, FACP, FACR
From WebMD
 What is
abdominal Pain Resources
pain?
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diagnosed?
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of the
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problem in
Abdominal Pain
irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS) Kidney Stones »
of diagnosing
the cause of What is a kidney stone?
abdominal pain
A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline mineral material formed within the
 Why can kidney or urinary tract. Kidney stones are a common cause of blood in the
diagnosis of urine and often severe pain in the abdomen, flank, or groin. Kidney stones
the cause of are sometimes called renal calculi. One in every 20 people develops a kidney
abdominal pain stone at some point in their life.
be difficult?
The condition of having kidney stones is termed nephrolithiasis. Having
 How can I help stones at any location in the urinary tract is referred to as urolithiasis.
my doctor to
What causes kidney stones?
determine the
cause of my Kidney stones form when there is a decrease in urine volume and/or an
abdominal excess of stone-forming substances in the urine. The most common type of
pain? kidney stone contains calcium in combination with either oxalate or
phosphate. Other chemical compounds that can form stones in the urinary
 Abdominal Pain
tract include uric acid and the amino acid cystine.
At A Glance
Dehydration from reduced fluid intake...
 Patient
Discussions: Read the Kidney Stones article »
Abdominal Pain
- Length
Symptoms
Lasted
 Find a local
Doctor in your
town
Abdominal Pain -
Timely Diagnosis
Medical Author: Jay W.

Marks, M.D.
Medical Editor: Melissa
Conrad Stöppler, MD
When a
medical
problem
comes on
quickly or
occurs periodically over
a longer period, it is
often best to move
quickly and make a
diagnosis while
symptoms are still
present. The more
serious the problem,
the greater the
urgency. Nevertheless,
urgency should never
replace careful and
complete diagnostic
testing, as is illustrated
by a recent experience.
I was asked to see a

patient, a young man in
his late twenties, who
for several years had
been having episodes
of abdominal pain.
There was nothing very
distinctive about the
pain except that it
would last from hours
to one or two days and
then disappear. During
the episodes, he would
not eat; he also noted
some nausea. He had
visited an emergency
room once, but only
limited testing had
been done, and no
diagnosis was made. At
a later time, he had
been seen by a
gastroenterologist who
had performed an
upper gastrointestinal
endoscopy. No
abnormalities were
found by endoscopy.
The patient was

healthy except for the
bouts of abdominal
pain. Despite discussing
his medical history in
detail and examining
him, I could find no
clues to the cause of
his problem....
Read more about this

case of severe
abdominal pain and the
diagnosis. »
What is abdominal
pain?
Abdominal pain is pain

that is felt in the
abdomen. The
abdomen is an
anatomical area that is
bounded by the lower
margin of the ribs and
diaphragm above, the
pelvic bone (pubic
ramus) below, and the
flanks on each side.
Although abdominal
pain can arise from the
tissues of the
abdominal wall that
surround the
abdominal cavity (such
as the skin and
abdominal wall
muscles), the term
abdominal pain
generally is used to
describe pain
originating from organs
within the abdominal
cavity. Organs of the
abdomen include the
stomach, small
intestine, colon, liver,
gallbladder, spleen,
and pancreas.
Occasionally, pain may

be felt in the abdomen
even though it is arising
from organs that are
close to, but not within,
the abdominal cavity.
For example,
conditions of the lower
lungs, the kidneys, and
the uterus or ovaries
can cause abdominal
pain. On the other
hand, it also is possible
for pain from organs
within the abdomen to
be felt outside of the
abdomen. For example,
the pain of pancreatic
inflammation may be
felt in the back. These
latter types of pain are
called "referred" pain
because the pain does
not originate in the
location that it is felt.
Rather, the cause of
the pain is located
away from where it is
felt.
What causes
abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is
caused by
inflammation (for
example, appendicitis,
diverticulitis, colitis ),
by stretching or
distention of an organ
(for example,
obstruction of the
intestine, blockage of a
bile duct by gallstones,
swelling of the liver
with hepatitis), or by
loss of the supply of
blood to an organ (for
example, ischemic
colitis).
To complicate matters,
however, abdominal
pain also can occur
without inflammation,
distention or loss of
blood supply. An
important example of
this latter type of pain
is the irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS). It is
not clear what causes
the abdominal pain in
IBS, but it is believed to
be due either to
abnormal contractions
of the intestinal
muscles (for example,
spasm) or abnormally
sensitive nerves within
the intestines that give
rise to painful
sensations
inappropriately
(visceral hyper-
sensitivity). These
latter types of pain are
often referred to as
functional pain because
no recognizable
(visible) causes for the
pain have been found -
at least not yet.
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 Abdominal Pain
Index
 Glossary
 Find a Local
Doctor
Next: How is the cause

of abdominal pain
diagnosed? »
Share | | | | | More
Abdominal Pain -
Length Symptoms
Lasted
The MedicineNet
physician editors ask:
How long did the

symptoms of your
abdominal pain last?
Was there anything in
particular that helped
with pain/symptom
relief?
Comment submissions
for this question have
ended.
See 20 Viewer
Comments
View Comments
Suggested Reading by
Our Doctors
 OTC Pain
Relievers and
Fever Reducers
- Learn about
over-the-
counter (OTC)
pain
medication and
fever reducers
(analgesics,
antipyretics)
like aspirin,
acetaminophen
, and NSAIDs.
Side effects,
uses,
pregnancy/bre
astfeeding, and
drug
interaction
information is
included.
 Liver Blood
Tests - Learn
about liver
blood tests
used to detect
liver damage
disease such as
fatty liver,
cirrhosis,
hepatitis,
Tylenol liver
damage, and
more. This
includes
measuring the
aminotransfera
ses enzymes
(AST and ALT
levels)
 Rectal Bleeding
- Rectal
bleeding can
be a sign of
several
different
conditions
including
hemorrhoids,
anal fisure,
colitis, and
more.
Read more Abdominal

Pain related articles »
Latest Medical News
 Study Explores
Links Between
Obesity and
Chronic Pain
 Non-Invasive
Diagnosis of
Inflammatory
Bowel Disease
Shows Promise
 Health Tip:
Taming
Irritable Bowels
 Mental Health
Woes Plague
'Cyberbullies'
and Their
Victims
Privacy Policy
Women's Health
Find out what women

really need.
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Top 10
Abdominal Pain Related Articles
 Appendicitis
 CAT Scan
 Colonoscopy
 Complete Blood Count
 Dengue Fever
 Diverticulosis
 Liver Blood Tests
 MRI Scan
 Ovarian Cancer
 Rectal Bleeding
 Complete List »
Digestion Topics
 Gastritis Symptoms
 Liver Disease
 Lactose Intolerance
 Nausea and Vomiting
 Rectal Bleeding
 Digestion RSS
 Take a Quiz
Latest Digestion News
 Health Tip: Managing Pancreatitis
 Health Tip: Did You Eat Bad Food?
 Health Tip: Help Prevent Bloating
 Health Tip: Signs that You May Have Celiac Disease
 Stomach Ulcers Sending Fewer to the Hospital
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Abdominal Pain
(cont.)
In this Article
 What is
abdominal
pain?
 What causes
abdominal
pain?
 How is the
cause of
abdominal
pain
diagnosed?
 Characteristic <script language="JavaScript1.2" type="text/javascript"

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5Fpainpage%3D2&pos=121"></script>
 Physical
examination
 Exams and
tests From WebMD
 Special Pain Resources

problem in
irritable
bowel  When Diarrhea Is Serious
syndrome
 Spitting Up and Vomiting in Babies
(IBS) of
diagnosing Featured Centers
the cause of
abdominal  Which Foods Are Highest in Fiber?
pain
 Why can
diagnosis of
the cause of Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
abdominal
pain be  Depression Med for You?
difficult?
 How can I
 MS Rx Options
help my
doctor to
determine
the cause of
my Also on MedicineNet
abdominal
 Living with Obstructive Asthma
pain?
 Trouble Breathing? Take the COPD Health Check
 Abdominal
Pain At A
Glance
 Patient
Discussions:
Abdominal
Pain - Length
Symptoms
Lasted
 Abdominal
Pain Glossary
 Abdominal
Pain Index
 Find a local
Doctor in
your town
How is the cause of

abdominal pain
diagnosed?
Doctors determine
the cause of
abdominal pain by
relying on:
1. characteristic
s of the pain,
2. findings on
physical
examination,
3. laboratory,
radiological,
and
endoscopic
testing, and
4. surgery.
Characteristics of the
pain
The following
information,
obtained by taking a
patient's history, is
important in helping
doctors determine
the cause of pain:
 The way the

pain begins.
For example,
abdominal
pain that
comes on
suddenly
suggests a
sudden
event, for
example, the
interruption
of the supply
of blood to
the colon
(ischemia) or
obstruction
of the bile
duct by a
gallstone
(biliary colic).
 The location
of the pain.
o Appe
ndicit
is
typic
ally
cause
s
pain
in the
right
lower
abdo
men,
the
usual
locati
on of
the
appe
ndix.
o Diver
ticulit
is
typic
ally
cause
s
pain
in the
left
lower
abdo
men
wher
e
most
colon
ic
diver
ticuli
are
locat
ed.
o Pain
from
the
gallbl
adde
r
(biliar
y
colic
or
chole
cystit
is)
typic
ally is
felt in
the
right
uppe
r
abdo
men
wher
e the
gallbl
adde
r is
locat
ed.
 The pattern
of the pain.
o Obstr
uctio
n of
the
intest
ine
initial
ly
cause
s
wave
s of
cram
py
abdo
minal
pain
due
to
contr
actio
ns of
the
intest
inal
musc
les
and
diste
ntion
of
the
intest
ine.
o True
cram
p-like
pain
sugge
sts
vigor
ous
contr
actio
ns of
the
intest
ines.
o Obstr
uctio
n of
the
bile
ducts
by
gallst
ones
typic
ally
cause
s
stead
y
(cons
tant)
uppe
r
abdo
minal
pain
that
lasts
betw
een
30
minu
tes
and
sever
al
hours
.
o Acut
e
pancr
eatiti
s
typic
ally
cause
s
sever
e,
unrel
entin
g,
stead
y
pain
in the
uppe
r
abdo
men
and
uppe
r
back.
The
pain
of
acute
appe
ndicit
is
initial
ly
may
start
near
the
umbil
icus,
but
as
the
infla
mma
tion
progr
esses
, the
pain
move
s to
the
right
lower
abdo
men.
The
chara
cter
of
pain
may
chan
ge
over
time.
For
exam
ple,
obstr
uctio
n of
the
bile
ducts
some
times
progr
esses
to
infla
mma
tion
of
the
gallbl
adde
r
with
or
witho
ut
infect
ion
(acut
e
chole
cystit
is).
Whe
n this
happ
ens,
the
chara
cteris
tics
of
the
pain
chan
ge to
those
of
infla
mma
tory
pain.
(See
belo
w.)
 The duration
of the pain.
o The
pain
of IBS
typic
ally
waxe
s and
wane
s
over
mont
hs or
years
and
may
last
for
deca
des.
o Biliar
y
colic
lasts
no
more
than
sever
al
hours
.
o The
pain
of
pancr
eatiti
s
lasts
one
or
more
days.
o The
pain
of
acid-
relat
ed
disea
ses -
gastr
oeso
phag
eal
reflux
disea
se
(GER
D) or
duod
enal
ulcer
s-
typic
ally
show
perio
dicity
, that
is, a
perio
d of
week
s or
mont
hs
durin
g
whic
h the
pain
is
wors
e
follo
wed
by
perio
ds of
week
s or
mont
hs
durin
g
whic
h the
pain
is
bette
r.
o Funct
ional
pain
may
show
this
same
patte
rn of
perio
dicity
.
 What makes
the pain
worse. Pain
due to
inflammation
(appendicitis,
diverticulitis,
cholecystitis,
pancreatitis)
typically is
aggravated
by sneezing,
coughing or
any jarring
motion.
Patients with
inflammation
as the cause
of their pain
prefer to lie
still.
 What
relieves the
pain.
o The
pain
of IBS
and
const
ipatio
n
often
is
reliev
ed
temp
oraril
y by
bowe
l
move
ment
s and
may
be as
socia
ted
with
chan
ges in
bowe
l
habit.
o Pain
due
to
obstr
uctio
n of
the
stom
ach
or
uppe
r
small
intest
ine
may
be
reliev
ed
temp
oraril
y by
vomit
ing
whic
h
reduc
es
the
diste
ntion
that
is
cause
d by
the
obstr
uctio
n.
o Eatin
g or
takin
g
antac
ids
may
temp
oraril
y
reliev
e the
pain
of
ulcer
s of
the
stom
ach
or
duod
enum
beca
use
both
food
and
antac
ids
neutr
alize
(coun
ter)
the
acid
that
is
respo
nsibl
e for
irritat
ing
the
ulcer
s and
causi
ng
the
pain.
o Pain
that
awak
ens
patie
nts
from
sleep
is
more
likely
to be
due
to
non-
functi
onal
cause
s.
 Associated
signs and
symptoms.
o The
prese
nce
of
fever
sugge
sts
infla
mma
tion.
o Diarr
hea
or
rectal
bleed
ing
sugge
sts an
intest
inal
cause
of
the
pain.
o The
prese
nce
of
fever
and
diarr
hea
sugge
st
infla
mma
tion
of
the
intest
ines
that
may
be
infect
ious
or
non-
infect
ious
(ulcer
ative
coliti
s or
Croh
n's
disea
se).
 « Previous
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 Next »
 Abdominal
Pain Index
 Glossary
 Find a Local
Doctor
Next: Exams and

tests »
Abdominal Pain -
Length Symptoms
Lasted
The MedicineNet
How long did the

symptoms of your
Was there anything
in particular that
helped with
pain/symptom relief?
Comment
submissions for this
question have ended.
See 20 Viewer
Comments
View Comments
Our Doctors
 OTC Pain
Relievers and
Fever
Reducers -
Learn about
over-the-
counter
(OTC) pain
medication
and fever
reducers
(analgesics,
antipyretics)
like aspirin,
acetaminoph
en, and
NSAIDs. Side
effects, uses,
pregnancy/br
eastfeeding,
and drug
interaction
information
is included.
 Liver Blood
Tests - Learn
about liver
blood tests
used to
detect liver
damage
disease such
as fatty liver,
cirrhosis,
hepatitis,
Tylenol liver
damage, and
more. This
includes
measuring
the
aminotransfe
rases
enzymes (AST
and ALT
levels)
 Rectal
Bleeding -
Rectal
bleeding can
be a sign of
several
different
conditions
including
hemorrhoids,
anal fisure,
colitis, and
more.
Read more
Abdominal Pain
related articles »
Latest Medical News
 Study
Explores
Links
Between
Obesity and
Chronic Pain
 Non-Invasive
Diagnosis of
Inflammatory
Bowel
Disease
Shows
Promise
 Health Tip:
Taming
Irritable
Bowels
 Mental
Health Woes
Plague
'Cyberbullies'
and Their
Victims
Privacy Policy
Women's Health
Find out what

women really need.
Top 10
 Appendicitis
 CAT Scan
 Colonoscopy
 Dengue Fever
 Diverticulosis
 MRI Scan
 Ovarian Cancer
 Rectal Bleeding
Digestion Topics
 Liver Disease
 Rectal Bleeding
 Digestion RSS
 Take a Quiz

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Physical examination
Examining the
patient will provide
the doctor with
additional clues to
the cause of
abdominal pain. The
doctor will
determine:
1. The presence
of sounds
coming from
the intestines
that occur
when there is
obstruction
of the <script language="JavaScript1.2" type="text/javascript"
intestines, src="http://as.webmd.com/js.ng/Params.richmedia=yes&transactionID=
785121487321&tile=785121487321&xpg=4268&sec=8000&am
2. The presence p;artid=1908&site=2&affiliate=22&uri=subject%3Dabdominal%
of signs of 5Fpainpage%3D3&pos=121"></script>
inflammation
(by special
maneuvers
during the From WebMD
examination),
Pain Resources
3. The location
of any  Constipation Causes and Relief
tenderness  When Diarrhea Is Serious
4. The presence  Spitting Up and Vomiting in Babies

of a mass
within the Featured Centers
abdomen  Which Foods Are Highest in Fiber?
that suggests
a tumor,  How Bad Is Your Diet? Assess Yourself
enlarged
organ, or
abscess (a Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
collection of
infected pus)  Depression Med for You?
5. The presence  Fibromyalgia Center

of blood in
 MS Rx Options
the stool that
may signify
an intestinal
problem such
as an ulcer, Also on MedicineNet
colon cancer,
 Living with Obstructive Asthma
colitis, or
ischemia.  Trouble Breathing? Take the COPD Health Check
For example:
 Finding
tenderness
and signs of
inflammation
in the left
lower
abdomen
often means
that
diverticulitis
is present,
while finding
a tender
(inflamed)
mass in the
same area
may mean
that the
inflammation
has
progressed
and that an
abscess has
formed.
 Finding
tenderness
and signs of
inflammation
in the right
lower
abdomen
often means
that
appendicitis
is present,
while finding
a tender
mass in the
same area
may mean
that
appendiceal
inflammation
has
progressed
and that an
abscess has
formed.
 Inflammation
in the right
lower
abdomen,
with or
without a
mass, also
may be found
in Crohn's
disease.
(Crohn's
disease most
commonly
affects the
last part of
the small
intestine,
usually
located in the
right lower
abdomen.)
 A mass
without signs
of
inflammation
may mean
that a cancer
is present.
Exams and tests
While the history and

physical examination
are vitally important
in determining the
cause of abdominal
pain, testing often is
necessary to
determine the cause.
Laboratory tests.
Laboratory tests such
as the complete
blood count (CBC),
liver enzymes,
pancreatic enzymes
(amylase and lipase),
and urinalysis are
frequently performed
in the evaluation of
abdominal pain.
 An elevated
white count
suggests
inflammation
or infection
(as with
appendicitis,
pancreatitis,
diverticulitis,
or colitis).
 Amylase and
lipase
(enzymes
produced by
the pancreas)
commonly
are elevated
in
pancreatitis.
 Liver
enzymes may
be elevated
with
gallstone
attacks.
 Blood in the
urine
suggests
kidney
stones.
 When there
is diarrhea,
white blood
cells in the
stool suggest
intestinal
inflammation
.
Plain X-rays of the

abdomen. Plain X-
rays of the abdomen
also are referred to
as a KUB (because
they include the
kidney, ureter, and
bladder). The KUB
may show enlarged
loops of intestines
filled with copious
amounts of fluid and
air when there is
intestinal
obstruction. Patients
with a perforated
ulcer may have air
escape from the
stomach into the
abdominal cavity.
The escaped air often
can be seen on a KUB
on the underside of
the diaphragm.
Sometimes a KUB
may reveal a calcified
kidney stone that has
passed into the
ureter and resulted in
referred abdominal
pain or calcifications
in the pancreas that
suggests chronic
pancreatitis.
Radiographic studies.
 Abdominal
ultrasound is
useful in
diagnosing
gallstones,
cholecystitis
appendicitis,
or ruptured
ovarian cysts
as the cause
of the pain.
 Computerize
d
tomography
(CT) of the
abdomen is
useful in
diagnosing
pancreatitis,
pancreatic
cancer,
appendicitis,
and
diverticulitis,
as well as in
diagnosing
abscesses in
the
abdomen.
Special CT
scans of the
abdominal
blood vessels
can detect
diseases of
the arteries
that block
the flow of
blood to the
abdominal
organs.
 Magnetic
resonance
imaging
(MRI) is
useful in
diagnosing
many of the
same
conditions as
CT
tomography.
 Barium X-
rays of the
stomach and
the intestines
(upper
gastrointestin
al series or
UGI with a
small bowel
follow-
through) can
be helpful in
diagnosing
ulcers,
inflammation
, and
blockage in
the
intestines.
 Computerize
d
tomography
(CT) of the
small
intestine can
be helpful in
diagnosing
diseases in
the small
bowel such
as Crohn's
disease.
 Capsule
enteroscopy,
a small
camera the
size of a pill
swallowed by
the patient,
can take
pictures of
the entire
small bowel
and transmit
the pictures
onto a
portable
receiver. The
small bowel
images can
be
downloaded
from the
receiver onto
a computer
to be
inspected by
a doctor
later. Capsule
enteroscopy
can be
helpful in
diagnosing
Crohn's
disease, small
bowel
tumors, and
bleeding
lesions not
seen on x-
rays or CT
scans.
Endoscopic
procedures.
 Esophagogas
troduodenos
copy or EGD
is useful for
detecting
ulcers,
gastritis
(inflammatio
n of the
stomach), or
stomach
cancer.
 Colonoscopy
or flexible
sigmoidosco
py is useful
for
diagnosing
infectious
colitis,
ulcerative
colitis, or
colon cancer.
 Endoscopic
ultrasound
(EUS) is
useful for
diagnosing
pancreatic
cancer or
gallstones if
the standard
ultrasound or
CT or MRI
scans fail to
detect them.
 Balloon
enteroscopy,
the newest
technique
allows
endoscopes
to be passed
through the
mouth or
anus and into
the small
intestine
where small
intestinal
causes of
abdominal
pain or
bleeding can
be
diagnosed,
biopsied, and
treated.
Surgery. Sometimes,
diagnosis requires
examination of the
abdominal cavity
either by laparoscopy
or surgery.
 « Previous
 1
 2
 3
 4
 5
 6
 7
 Next »
 Abdominal
Pain Index
 Glossary
 Find a Local
Doctor
Next: Special
problem in irritable
bowel syndrome (IBS)
of diagnosing the
cause of abdominal
pain »
Abdominal Pain -
Length Symptoms
Lasted
The MedicineNet
How long did the

symptoms of your
Was there anything
in particular that
helped with
Comment
See 20 Viewer
Comments
View Comments
Our Doctors
 OTC Pain
Relievers and
Fever
Reducers -
Learn about
over-the-
counter
(OTC) pain
medication
and fever
reducers
(analgesics,
antipyretics)
like aspirin,
acetaminoph
en, and
NSAIDs. Side
effects, uses,
pregnancy/br
eastfeeding,
and drug
interaction
information
is included.
 Liver Blood
Tests - Learn
about liver
blood tests
used to
detect liver
damage
disease such
as fatty liver,
cirrhosis,
hepatitis,
Tylenol liver
damage, and
more. This
includes
measuring
the
aminotransfe
rases
enzymes (AST
and ALT
levels)
 Rectal
Bleeding -
Rectal
bleeding can
be a sign of
several
different
conditions
including
hemorrhoids,
anal fisure,
colitis, and
more.
Read more
Abdominal Pain
related articles »
Latest Medical News
 Study
Explores
Links
Between
Obesity and
Chronic Pain
 Non-Invasive
Diagnosis of
Inflammatory
Bowel
Disease
Shows
Promise
 Health Tip:
Taming
Irritable
Bowels
 Mental
Health Woes
Plague
'Cyberbullies'
and Their
Victims
Privacy Policy
Women's Health
Find out what

women really need.
Top 10
 Appendicitis
 CAT Scan
 Colonoscopy
 Dengue Fever
 Diverticulosis
 MRI Scan
 Ovarian Cancer
 Rectal Bleeding
Digestion Topics
 Liver Disease
 Rectal Bleeding
 Digestion RSS
 Take a Quiz

Find a Local
Pharmacy
on RxList.com
including
24 hour
pharmacies
Special problem in
irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS) of
diagnosing the cause
of abdominal pain
As previously
discussed, the pain of
irritable bowel
syndrome is due
either to abnormal
intestinal muscle
contractions or
visceral
hypersensitivity.
Generally, abnormal
muscle contractions
and visceral <script language="JavaScript1.2" type="text/javascript"
hypersensitivity are src="http://as.webmd.com/js.ng/Params.richmedia=yes&transactionID=
much more difficult 769380825732&tile=769380825732&xpg=4268&sec=8000&am
to diagnose than p;artid=1908&site=2&affiliate=22&uri=subject%3Dabdominal%
other diseases 5Fpainpage%3D4&pos=121"></script>
causing abdominal
pain, particularly
since there are no
typical abnormalities
From WebMD
on physical
examination or the Pain Resources
usual diagnostic
tests. The diagnosis is  Constipation Causes and Relief
based on the history
 When Diarrhea Is Serious
(typical symptoms)
and the absence of  Spitting Up and Vomiting in Babies
other causes of
abdominal pain. Featured Centers
Why can diagnosis of  Which Foods Are Highest in Fiber?

the cause of
abdominal pain be
difficult?  12 Tips to Stay Awake Naturally
Modern advances in Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

technology have  Depression Med for You?
greatly improved the
accuracy, speed, and
ease of establishing  MS Rx Options
the cause of
abdominal pain, but
significant challenges
remain. There are
Also on MedicineNet
many reasons why
diagnosing the cause  Living with Obstructive Asthma
of abdominal pain
can be difficult. They  Trouble Breathing? Take the COPD Health Check
are:
 Symptoms
may be
atypical. For
example, the
pain of
appendicitis
sometimes is
located in the
right upper
abdomen,
and the pain
of
diverticulitis
is on the right
side. Elderly
patients and
patients
taking
corticosteroi
ds may have
little or no
pain and
tenderness
when there is
inflammation
, for example,
with
cholecystitis
or
diverticulitis.
This occurs
because
corticosteroi
ds reduce the
inflammation
.
 Tests are not

always
abnormal.
o Ultra
soun
d
exam
inatio
ns
can
miss
gallst
ones,
partic
ularly
small
ones.
o CT
scans
may
fail to
show
pancr
eatic
cance
r,
partic
ularly
small
ones.
o The
KUB
can
miss
the
signs
of
intest
inal
obstr
uctio
n or
stom
ach
perfo
ratio
n.
o Ultra
soun
ds
and
CT
scans
may
fail to
demo
nstra
te
appe
ndicit
is or
even
absce
sses,
partic
ularly
if the
absce
sses
are
small
.
o The
CBC
and
other
blood
tests
may
be
norm
al
despi
te
sever
e
infect
ion
or
infla
mma
tion,
partic
ularly
in
patie
nts
recei
ving
cortic
oster
oids.
 Diseases can
mimic one
another.
o IBS
symp
toms
can
mimi
c
bowe
l
obstr
uctio
n,
cance
r,
ulcer,
gallbl
adde
r
attac
ks, or
even
appe
ndicit
is.
o Croh
n's
disea
se
can
mimi
c
appe
ndicit
is.
o Infect
ion of
the
right
kidne
y can
mimi
c
acute
chole
cystit
is.
o A
ruptu
red
right
ovari
an
cyst
can
mimi
c
appe
ndicit
is;
while
a
ruptu
red
left
ovari
an
cyst
can
mimi
c
diver
ticulit
is.
o Kidne
y
stone
s can
mimi
c
appe
ndicit
is or
diver
ticulit
is.
 The
characteristic
s of the pain
may change.
Examples
discussed
previously
include the
extension of
the
inflammation
of
pancreatitis
to involve the
entire
abdomen
and the
progression
of biliary colic
to
cholecystitis.
 « Previous
 1
 2
 3
 4
 5
 6
 7
 Next »
 Abdominal
Pain Index
 Glossary
 Find a Local
Doctor
Next: How can I help

my doctor to
determine the cause
of my abdominal
pain? »
Abdominal Pain -
Length Symptoms
Lasted
The MedicineNet
How long did the

symptoms of your
Was there anything
in particular that
helped with
Comment
See 20 Viewer
Comments
View Comments
Our Doctors
 OTC Pain
Relievers and
Fever
Reducers -
Learn about
over-the-
counter
(OTC) pain
medication
and fever
reducers
(analgesics,
antipyretics)
like aspirin,
acetaminoph
en, and
NSAIDs. Side
effects, uses,
pregnancy/br
eastfeeding,
and drug
interaction
information
is included.
 Liver Blood
Tests - Learn
about liver
blood tests
used to
detect liver
damage
disease such
as fatty liver,
cirrhosis,
hepatitis,
Tylenol liver
damage, and
more. This
includes
measuring
the
aminotransfe
rases
enzymes (AST
and ALT
levels)
 Rectal
Bleeding -
Rectal
bleeding can
be a sign of
several
different
conditions
including
hemorrhoids,
anal fisure,
colitis, and
more.
Read more
Abdominal Pain
related articles »
Latest Medical News
 Study
Explores
Links
Between
Obesity and
Chronic Pain
 Non-Invasive
Diagnosis of
Inflammatory
Bowel
Disease
Shows
Promise
 Health Tip:
Taming
Irritable
Bowels
 Mental
Health Woes
Plague
'Cyberbullies'
and Their
Victims
Privacy Policy
Women's Health
Find out what

women really need.
Top 10
 Appendicitis
 CAT Scan
 Colonoscopy
 Dengue Fever
 Diverticulosis
 MRI Scan
 Ovarian Cancer
 Rectal Bleeding
Digestion Topics
 Liver Disease
 Rectal Bleeding
 Digestion RSS
 Take a Quiz

How can I help my doctor to determine the cause of my abdominal pain?
Before the visit, prepare written lists of:
 Medications you are currently taking, including herbs, vitamins, minerals, and food
supplements.
 Your allergies to medications, food, or pollen
 The medications that you have tried for your abdominal pain.
 Important medical illnesses that you have such as diabetes, heart disease, etc..
 Previous surgeries such as appendectomy, hernia repairs, gallbladder removal,

hysterectomy, etc..
 Previous procedures such as colonoscopy, laparoscopy, CT scan, ultrasound, upper or lower

barium X-rays, etc..
 Previous hospitalizations
 Ill family members, particularly those who have symptoms similar to yours.
 Family members with gastrointestinal diseases (involving the esophagus, stomach,
intestines, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder).
 Be candid with your doctor about your prior and current alcohol consumption and smoking
habits, any history of chemical dependence.
Be prepared to tell your doctor:
 When the pain first started
 If there were previous episodes of similar pain.
 How frequently episodes of pain occur
 If each episode of pain starts gradually or suddenly
 The severity of the pain
 What causes the pain and what makes the pain worse
 What relieves the pain
 The characteristics of the pain. Is the pain sharp or dull, burning or pressure like? Is the pain
jabbing and fleeting, steady and unrelenting or crampy (coming and going)?
 If the pain is associated with fever, chills, sweats, diarrhea, weight loss, constipation, rectal
bleeding, loss of appetite, nausea or loss of energy?
After the visit to the doctor, do not expect an instant cure or immediate diagnosis, and remember:
 Multiple office visits and tests (blood tests, radiographic studies, or endoscopic procedures)
are often necessary to establish the diagnosis and/or to exclude serious illnesses.
 Doctors may start you on a medication before a firm diagnosis is made. Your response (or
lack of response) to that medication sometimes may provide your doctor with valuable clues
as to the cause of your abdominal pain. Therefore, it is important for you to take the
medication that is prescribed.
 Notify your doctor if your symptoms are getting worse, if medications are not working, or if
you think you are having side effects from the medication.
 Call your doctor for test results. Never assume that "the test must be fine since my doctor
never called."
 Do not self medicate (including herbs, supplements) without discussing with your doctor.
 Even the best physician never bats 1000. Do not hesitate to openly discuss with your doctor
referrals for second or third opinions if the diagnosis cannot be firmly established and the
pain persists.
 Self education is important, but make sure what you read came from credible sources
Abdominal Pain At A
Glance
 Abdominal
pain is pain
that is felt in
the
abdomen.
 Abdominal
pain comes
from organs
within the
abdomen or
organs
adjacent to
the
abdomen.
 Abdominal src="http://as.webmd.com/js.ng/Params.richmedia=yes&transactionID=
pain is 710240048121&tile=710240048121&xpg=4268&sec=8000&am
caused by p;artid=1908&site=2&affiliate=22&uri=subject%3Dabdominal%
inflammation 5Fpainpage%3D6&pos=121"></script>
, distention
of an organ,
or by loss of
the blood From WebMD
supply to an
organ. Pain Resources
Abdominal
pain in IBS
may be  When Diarrhea Is Serious
caused by
contraction  Spitting Up and Vomiting in Babies
of the
Featured Centers
intestinal
muscles or  Which Foods Are Highest in Fiber?
hyper-
sensitivity to  How Bad Is Your Diet? Assess Yourself
normal
intestinal
activities. Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
 The cause of  Depression Med for You?

abdominal
pain is  Fibromyalgia Center
diagnosed on  MS Rx Options
the basis of
the
characteristic
s of the pain, Also on MedicineNet
physical
examination,  Living with Obstructive Asthma
and testing.
 Trouble Breathing? Take the COPD Health Check
Occasionally,
surgery is
necessary for
diagnosis.
 The diagnosis
of the cause
of abdominal
pain is
challenging
because the
characteristic
s of the pain
may be
atypical, tests
are not
always
abnormal,
diseases
causing pain
may mimic
each other,
and the
characteristic
s of the pain
may change
over time
Additional resources
from WebMD Boots
UK on Abdominal
Pain
REFERENCE: Fauci,
Anthony S., et al.
Harrison's Principles
of Internal Medicine.
17th ed. United
States: McGraw-Hill
Professional, 2008.
Previous contributing
medical author:
Dennis Lee, MD
Last Editorial Review:

8/11/2010
 « Previous
 1
 2
 3
 4
 5
 6
 7
 Next »
 Abdominal
Pain Index
 Glossary
 Find a Local
Doctor
Abdominal Pain -
Length Symptoms
Lasted
The MedicineNet
How long did the

symptoms of your
Was there anything
in particular that
helped with
Comment
See 20 Viewer
Comments
View Comments
Our Doctors
 OTC Pain
Relievers and
Fever
Reducers -
Learn about
over-the-
counter
(OTC) pain
medication
and fever
reducers
(analgesics,
antipyretics)
like aspirin,
acetaminoph
en, and
NSAIDs. Side
effects, uses,
pregnancy/br
eastfeeding,
and drug
interaction
information
is included.
 Liver Blood
Tests - Learn
about liver
blood tests
used to
detect liver
damage
disease such
as fatty liver,
cirrhosis,
hepatitis,
Tylenol liver
damage, and
more. This
includes
measuring
the
aminotransfe
rases
enzymes (AST
and ALT
levels)
 Rectal
Bleeding -
Rectal
bleeding can
be a sign of
several
different
conditions
including
hemorrhoids,
anal fisure,
colitis, and
more.
Read more
Abdominal Pain
related articles »
Latest Medical News
 Study
Explores
Links
Between
Obesity and
Chronic Pain
 Non-Invasive
Diagnosis of
Inflammatory
Bowel
Disease
Shows
Promise
 Health Tip:
Taming
Irritable
Bowels
 Mental
Health Woes
Plague
'Cyberbullies'
and Their
Victims
Privacy Policy
Women's Health
Find out what

women really need.
Top 10
 Appendicitis
 CAT Scan
 Colonoscopy
 Dengue Fever
 Diverticulosis
 MRI Scan
 Ovarian Cancer
 Rectal Bleeding
Digestion Topics
 Liver Disease
 Rectal Bleeding
 Digestion RSS
 Take a Quiz

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Medical Author: Jay W.

 How is the Featured Centers

 Physical  Depression Med for You?

Medical Author: Jay W.

I was asked to see a

The patient was

Read more about this

Abdominal pain is pain

Occasionally, pain may

Next: How is the cause

How long did the

Read more Abdominal

Latest Medical News

Find out what women

 Causes of Fatigue Slideshow

 Living with COPD

 Sleep Disorders Slideshow

Abdominal Pain Related Articles

 Complete Blood Count

 Liver Blood Tests

 Nausea and Vomiting

Latest Digestion News

 Health Tip: Managing Pancreatitis

 Health Tip: Did You Eat Bad Food?

 Health Tip: Help Prevent Bloating

 Health Tip: Signs that You May Have Celiac Disease

 Stomach Ulcers Sending Fewer to the Hospital

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 Characteristic <script language="JavaScript1.2" type="text/javascript"

 Special Pain Resources

How is the cause of

 The way the

Next: Exams and

How long did the

Latest Medical News

Find out what

 Causes of Fatigue Slideshow

 Living with COPD

 Sleep Disorders Slideshow

Abdominal Pain Related Articles

 Complete Blood Count

 Liver Blood Tests

Latest Digestion News

 Health Tip: Managing Pancreatitis

 Health Tip: Did You Eat Bad Food?

 Health Tip: Help Prevent Bloating

 Health Tip: Signs that You May Have Celiac Disease

 Stomach Ulcers Sending Fewer to the Hospital

 Want More News? Sign Up for MedicineNet Newsletters!

 Health News Feed

<script language="JavaScript1.2" type="text/javascript"

4. The presence  Spitting Up and Vomiting in Babies

5. The presence  Fibromyalgia Center

Exams and tests

While the history and

Plain X-rays of the

How long did the

Latest Medical News

Find out what

 Causes of Fatigue Slideshow