“My stomach hurts!” Such stomach pains are often harmless. But sometimes they can be a sign of something more serious. When should I see a doctor? What symptoms should I look out for? When should abdominal surgery be considered?When abdominal pain is bothersome: When should you go to the emergency department?For severe pain in the lower right part of the abdomen
If the abdominal pain is severe and accompanied by nausea, vomiting and slight fever, it may be an attack of appendicitis (appendicitis). Therefore, the patient should go to the hospital emergency room immediately. Appendicitis should actually be treated with abdominal surgery.
Sudden severe pain:
How do I know if my stomach pain is serious? Sudden (e.g. after a heavy meal);
Intense or rapid increase;
Localized or affecting the entire abdomen;
Associated with a “stabbing” sensation in the abdomen;
Associated with nausea and vomiting;
Associated with fever (above 38°C);
Associated with flatulence (hard, swollen stomach) or constipation;
Associated with changes in the general condition: disorientation, increased heart rate, etc.
Cause:
Which disease causes abdominal pain? Depending on the patient, abdominal pain can have many different causes.
Acute cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder);
Acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas);
Peritonitis: acute inflammation of the peritoneum (membrane lining the abdominal cavity). Peritonitis can occur especially after undiagnosed appendicitis or perforation of an organ such as the intestine.
Intestinal obstruction (partial or complete blockage of the intestine). When some of these symptoms are combined with a complete stop in transit (inability to pass stool or gas).
Twisting of the intestine (volvulus). It is characterized by an interruption in the vascular supply to the area and there is a risk of serious complications such as intestinal perforation, inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis).
Kidney stones, in some cases requiring surgery.
Diverticulitis: Diverticulitis is an inflammation and infection of the colon, especially the diverticula that form in the wall of the colon. Symptoms of diverticulitis include pain in the left iliac fossa, fever, and indigestion.
In some cases, open abdominal surgery may be considered.
What types of abdominal pain are there?
When should I see my doctor? Severe chronic pain or pain lasting more than a week
How bad is this pain?
Is it related to other conditions? Is it chronic? These are the first elements collected during a clinical examination and must be taken into account to know if the patient’s abdominal pain requires medical attention. “If the pain persists for a long period of time or recurs regularly, it is advisable to see your family doctor,” advises Professor Jean-Marc Sabate, gastroenterologist.
When should you see a doctor?
Chronic abdominal pain or pain that lasts for more than a week, or if this pain is so severe that it wakes the patient regularly at night. If you have symptoms consistent with abdominal pain
Symptoms accompanying abdominal pain that prompt the patient to consult are:
Recent weight loss:
In case of unexplained weight loss, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Constipation, diarrhea, etc.: If unexplained changes in transit continue, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
If you have “false urges” to pass mucus or blood.
If you have a family history of abdominal diseases: “People with a family history of polyps or gastrointestinal cancer should be advised immediately,” advises gastroenterologist Professor Sabate.
Gastroesophageal reflux.
Gastroesophageal reflux (RGO) is a phenomenon in which acidic gastric contents flow back into the esophagus, more or less abnormally frequently, in the opposite direction to the digestive process. “In some people, this gastroesophageal reflux can cause heartburn on the lining of the stomach, as the acid rises from the stomach to the esophagus,” emphasizes Professor Sabate.
When should you seek advice? Anyone over 50 years old who suffers from gastroesophageal reflux disease accompanied by pain in the gastric mucosa. These refluxes may cause dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). If you cough up blood, see your doctor.
Your GP will know your medical history and any long-term treatments you’re on. “Certain medications can cause such digestive problems,” says Prof Sabate. “So these could be side effects of these treatments.”
Your GP may refer you to a gastroenterologist or prescribe tests, depending on the results of the lab tests.
Which tests? After laboratory tests, doctors often prescribe one or more tests for patients with abdominal pain:
Endoscopy of the digestive tract: fibroscopy, colonoscopy
Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity.
Blood tests to check for inflammation, anemia, liver problems.
Examination in case of unexplained weight loss or deterioration of the general condition.
Pain in the stomach (upper abdomen) and intestines: functional colitis, irritable bowel syndrome…
The patient feels localized pain in the stomach.
The main causes are:
Gastritis, i.e. h. inflammation of the lining of the stomach;
Gastric ulcer;
Functional dyspepsia, i.e. h. digestive disorders related to the stomach (pain, discomfort, feeling of indigestion), but no pathology can be seen during endoscopy.
The patient feels localized pain in the colon or small intestine. The main causes are:
Functional colopathy, also known as “irritable bowel syndrome”.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, colon cancer.
Abdominal pain in women:
when should you see a gynecologist? Abdominal pain can also be related to a woman’s cycle. Whether it’s premenstrual syndrome, ovarian cysts or even endometriosis, a gynecologist can help determine the nature of your pain. A pelvic examination is prescribed to clarify the cause of the pain and adjust the treatment. If you have endometriosis (a condition in which pieces of uterine tissue stick around organs outside the uterine cavity), surgery to remove the pieces may be considered. This procedure is especially recommended if you want to have children.
Stomach pain that doesn’t require medical attention
Our digestive system sometimes makes our lives difficult: heartburn, bloating, indigestion, cramps, localized abdominal pain, digestive problems, etc. If this abdominal pain is moderate, occasional and short-term (less than a week), there is no need to panic.
What to do? Take care of your digestive system by watching your diet. Finally, to relieve this so-called “acute” pain, you can resort to herbal medicines and over-the-counter pharmacy treatments. How to relieve stomach pain: which medicines?
Acid-suppressing remedies, antispasmodics, painkillers, digestive stimulants… Many over-the-counter medicines are available in pharmacies that can help relieve digestive pain. “If self-treatment relieves the pain, there is no need to see a doctor. However, if these treatments do not relieve the symptoms completely or only provide temporary relief, you should consult a doctor,” emphasizes gastroenterologist Dr. Sabate.