How Is Abdominal Pain Diagnosed
The cause of abdominal pain is diagnosed based on your symptom history, a physical examination, and testing, if needed. Your doctor is likely to ask you questions about the characteristics of your pain, and whether you have any underlying physical or mental health conditions that could be contributing to your abdominal pain.
Questions from your doctor may address the following aspects of your abdominal pain:
- Where its located
- Whether its dull, stabbing, burning, or cramping
- Whether it comes and goes
- When you experience or notice it most
- Whether it radiates outward to other areas of your body
- How long youve had it
- Whether any activities or actions seem to make it worse or better
Your doctor may also ask about your overall health history, any recent injuries, and whether you might be pregnant.
- Blood, urine, or stool tests
- X-ray of the abdomen
- Computerized tomography scan of the abdomen
- Barium enema
- Endoscopic procedures
- Electrocardiogram
How Is The Cause Of The Abdominal Pain Diagnosed
Physical Examination
Physical examination will include a careful examination of the patient’s abdomen, heart, and lungs in order to pinpoint the source of the pain.
- The doctor will touch different parts of the abdomen to check for tenderness or other signs that indicate the source of the pain.
- The doctor may do a rectal exam to check for small amounts of blood in the stool or other problems, such as a mass or internal hemorrhoids.
- If the patient is a man, the doctor may check the penis and testicles.
- If the patient is a woman, the doctor may do a pelvic exam to check for problems in the uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
- The doctor also may look at the patient’s eyes for yellow discoloration and in the mouth to be sure the patient is not dehydrated.
Laboratory Tests
Laboratory tests may or may not help to determine the cause of the abdominal pain. Combined with the information gained from the questions the patient was asked and the physical examination performed by the doctor, certain blood or urine tests may be ordered and could assist in determining the diagnosis.
Radiology Tests
Radiology studies of the patient’s abdomen can be useful, but are not always necessary or helpful.
- Occasionally, an X-ray will show air outside of the bowel, meaning that something has ruptured or perforated.
- An X-ray also can help diagnose bowel obstruction.
- Sometimes X-rays can show a kidney stone.
Ultrasound is a painless procedure useful in finding some causes of abdominal pain.
Stomach Burning After Drinking Soda
Soda is a bubbly beverage, so right off the bat, drinking carbonated beverages can increase gas, which can contribute to stomach burning. Many soda varieties also contain aspartame, an artificial sweetener. Although this type of sweetener can reduce calorie count in your beverage, many people are intolerant to aspartame, which can also add to burning stomach.
If you have been diagnosed with IBS, soda can further lead to stomach irritations and promote diarrhea as well.
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Heart Attack Or Angina
Although heart attacks or angina can cause pressing heavy discomfort in your left chest, the symptoms can also be similar to heartburn. However, heart attack chest pain usually radiates to your left arm, neck, shoulder, and jaw.
Dr. Melissa Conrad Stöppler on MedicineNet says that heart attack symptoms also cause abdominal pain. For example, many people report that before their heart attack they felt a pain like something heavy pressing on the middle of the upper abdomen.12
To keep your heart healthy, you should make positive lifestyle changes like getting physically active and eating healthily.
The Link Between Your Gut Microbiome And Your Health
In addition, many of the underlying conditions that cause abdominal pain can lead to serious complications, including the possibility of structural damage to the digestive system from infection, cancer and its treatments, and inflammatory bowel disease .
To reduce the risk of complications, its important to seek medical attention for your abdominal pain if its sudden and severe, or if it includes symptoms like fever, bloody stool, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, or visible swelling.
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Make Sure Youre Emotionally Ready For Sex
As I mentioned earlier, you could be experiencing stomach pain after sex if you were feeling anxious or upset before or during intercourse. Clearly communicate your feelings with your partner, so that youâre feeling comfortable and emotionally prepared for sex. The more prepared and desirous of sex you are, the more likely you are to enjoy it.
What Is The Medical Treatment For Causes Of Abdominal Pain In Adults
The patient’s treatment will depend on what the doctor thinks is causing the abdominal pain.
The patient may be given IV fluids. The doctor may ask the patient not to eat or drink anything until the cause of the pain is known. This is done to avoid worsening certain medical conditions or to prepare the patient in case they need to have surgery.
The patient may be given pain medication.
- For pain caused by bowel spasm, they may be given a shot in the hip, arm, or leg.
- If the patient is not throwing up, they may receive a drink that has antacid in it or pain medication.
- Although the patient’s pain may not go away completely, they have the right to be comfortable and should ask for pain medicine until they are made comfortable.
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Treatment Of Lower Abdominal Pain Because Of Sneezing
Many people worry a lot when they suffer from a sharp pain in their lower abdomen because of continuous sneezing. They look for a different treatment option that will help them recover from it. However, the right treatment and diagnosis will only be possible when the exact cause of the continued sneezing is known.
Some conditions may be suppressed with the help of medicines that allows the muscles to relax. But many times the underlying medical issue can be serious as well. So it is important to visit a doctor if your sneezing does not stop in 2-3 days.
Final Verdict
So you can see that pain in the lower abdomen region can be caused due to continuous sneezing. The reasons which result in continued sneezing have been mentioned in our article as well. Make sure you read the article and get to know about how sneezing can result in lower abdominal pain and stay alert.
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What Kind Of Abdominal Pain Is Experienced Due To Sneezing
Abdominal pain caused by sneezing is experienced by many. The intensity of the pain the abdomen depends on where it is occurring. But, the pain generally varies from being a gentle stomach pain to unbearable and sharp acute pain as well. People have stated that they experience pain that feels like cramps, pain in a particular area and at times even a pain all over the abdomen.
In many cases, there are other symptoms associated with this pain which may worsen the situation. Therefore it is recommended that if a person is suffering from pain due to sneezing continuously, to visit a doctor and carry out a full check-up to diagnose any underlying medical issues.
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Why Does My Stomach Hurt
Tummy troubles are a common cause for a visit to the doctors office. Whenpatients complain of stomach pain, they are sometimes describing painthat is throughout the abdomen area and may not actually be directlyrelated to the organ known as the stomach.
Doctors first try to determine if a patients abdominal pain is caused by astructural or functional problem.
Sometimes the digestive tract does not function properly due to anabnormality with the structure of an organ. Medical imaging will show thatthe organ does not look normal and is not working properly.
Functional problems, also called motility disorders, are conditions thatresult from poor nerve and muscle function in the digestive tract. Organsthat are part of the gastrointestinal tract will usually look normal onmedical images, such asCT scansorMRI scans, but the organs do not work like they should.
The gastrointestinal system has its own nervous system to control themuscle contractions that digest the food you eat, saysDr. Linda Lee. Functional disorders can be difficult to diagnose, because we cannoteasily see problems with the nerves or muscles in the gastrointestinaltract.
Some of the conditions that could cause abdominal pain are:
Normal Variation Of Constipation
Constipation means bowel movements which have become infrequent and/or hardened and difficult to pass.
There is wide variation in what is thought “normal” when it comes to frequency of bowel movements. Anywhere from three times a day to three times a week is considered normal.
As long as stools are easy to pass, laxatives should not be used in an effort to force the body to a more frequent schedule.
Constipation is usually caused by lack of fiber in the diet not drinking enough water insufficient exercise and often suppressing the urge to have a bowel movement.
A number of medications and remedies, especially narcotic pain relievers, can cause constipation.
Women are often affected, due to pregnancy and other hormonal changes. Young children who demand low-fiber or “junk food” diets are also susceptible.
Constipation is a condition, not a disease, and most of the time is easily corrected. If simple adjustments in diet, exercise, and bowel habits don’t help, a doctor can be consulted to rule out a more serious cause.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: abdominal pain , nausea, stomach bloating, constipation, constipation
Symptoms that always occur with normal variation of constipation: constipation
Symptoms that never occur with normal variation of constipation: vomiting
Urgency: Self-treatment
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Types Of Sharp Pains In The Stomach
There are several types of abdominal pain, depending on the duration of the pain:
- Acute pain occurs over a few hours or days
- Chronic pain can last weeks, months, or more and it may come and go
- Progressive pain gets worse over time
Some abdominal pain or discomfort is normal, but sharp, stabbing pain can be frightening. Most abdominal pain isnt a cause for worry, but it may be a sign of a more serious health concern.
The severity of the pain, the location within the abdomen, and other symptoms can help determine the potential cause behind your sharp stomach painsand whether or not you need to see a doctor.
Why Does My Stomach Hurt After Sex The Bottom Line
Many people ask the questions âis it normal for your stomach to hurt after sex?â
Experiencing a stomach ache after sex is perfectly normal many women have some type of abdominal cramping after intercourse, and, in most cases, the pain is benign and will go away quickly.
If, however, you experience chronic or overwhelming pain, make sure you see a doctor to see whatâs going on and discuss treatment options.
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What Is Abdominal Pain Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment And Prevention
Most people experience abdominal discomfort or pain at some point in their lives. Abdominal pain is usually felt in the part of the trunk below the ribs, above the pelvis and the groin. It can range in intensity from a mild ache to severe, disabling pain.
While abdominal pain isnt normal, it isnt necessarily serious, and it often resolves itself.
Muscle Pain And Injuries
Muscle overuse, a sedentary lifestyle, and trauma from falling or other injuries can cause pain in the abdominal or back muscles. These injuries can cause pain that comes and goes.
Pain that appears only in certain positions, while lifting, or after exercise could be a sign of a muscle injury.
A muscle injury is not a medical emergency. Most people can treat muscle injuries at home with rest, hot and cold packs, and gentle massage. Ice packs for pain relief are available for purchase online.
If home treatment does not work or the pain is very intense, it is best to see a doctor.
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Heartburn And Indigestion Causing Upper Gastric Pain:
Heartburn or indigestion is characterised by a burning sensation in the chest with pain on top of the stomach. The cause of this condition is closely related with acid reflux, wherein there is upward flow of stomach acid into the oesophagus. This condition can be a temporary issue or it may occur repeatedly over a period of time.
Why Are The Soles Of My Feet So Sore
Do you hobble out of bed every day because your feet hurt so much to step on first thing in the morning? Or are your feet too painful to walk on if youve been sitting for several hours and then try to get up and walk? It could be plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of foot pain in adults. It is caused by a strain of the ligaments in an area of the foot called the plantar fascia. This is a thick, pearly white tissue with long fibers that begins at the heel bone and then fans out along the under surface of your feet to the toes. The ligament provides support as the toes bear the bodys weight each time the heel rises during walking.
As you know, our poor feet have to withstand a great deal of strain each day as we walk on them, run on them, stand all day, or squeeze our feet into uncomfortable shoes.
The most common symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain beneath the heel and sole of the foot, but the pain can be felt anywhere along the underside of the feet. The pain is usually worst when initially stepping onto your feet, particularly when first getting out of bed in the morning or when getting up after sitting for some time.
Fortunately, there is a lot that can be done about this common condition.
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Pelvic Pain In Menstruating Women
Once a girl begins menstruating or reaches her early teens, pelvic pain can stem from ovarian cysts, a twisted ovary, ovulation, menstruation or endometriosis, which occurs when tissue that normally lines your uterus finds its way into your pelvic cavity. Anatomical problems that prevent menstruation, such as a hymen that is not perforated, are unusual causes of pelvic pain in young women.
Girls and women who are sexually active are at risk for pelvic inflammatory disease, which results from infectious organisms ascending into the upper portions of the reproductive tract. According to a 2011 review in Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology, more than 750,000 cases of pelvic inflammatory disease are diagnosed annually in the U.S. Ectopic pregnancy — a pregnancy occurring outside the uterus — must be considered in any sexually active female who develops sudden pelvic pain. Like appendicitis, an ectopic pregnancy can be fatal if it is not detected and treated.
Organs On The Left Side Of The Abdomen
On the left side of your abdomen you can find some of the most important internal organs in your body:
Left lung The lower part of your left lung is located behind your heart and both of your lungs play a vital function in the respiratory system.
Spleen, pancreas, and part of the liver Although your liver is located under the right rib cage, part of it is located on the left side just under your heart. Below your heart under the left part of your rib cage are your liver, spleen, and pancreas. These organs, along with your liver, are an important part of your digestive system and help to break down food to extract nutrients and filter out waste products.
Left kidney Your left kidney is located towards your back and, just like the liver, helps to filter blood and keep you healthy.
Part of the stomach, intestines, and colon Part of your stomach, intestines, and colon are also located on the left side of your abdomen. The last part of your colon is located in the lower left side of the abdomen. If you have any digestive problems, the digestive-related pain might be felt on the left side.
Womens reproductive system Women also have part of their reproductive system on the left side of their body: part of the womb, left fallopian tube and the left ovary.
Organs on the Left Side of the Abdomen
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Stomach Ache After Drinking Water Too Fast
When you reach for a bottle of water to quench your thirst, there is a chance you are overestimating how much water you should drink. As such, you might find yourself in fluid overload. Water is incredibly essential for all our bodys processes however, too much water can lower the sodium level in your body. This condition is called hyponatremia and is categorized by nausea, vomiting, weakness, and stomach cramps.
Causes Of Continuous Sneezing
Sneezing can be caused due to a lot of different reasons. But the two most important reasons why people tend to sneeze continuously are allergies and flu.
Allergies One of the common symptoms of allergy is sneezing. Those who are allergic to particular things will continue to experience the symptoms of allergy even when they are pregnant. Allergies can be of various types like dust, pollen, pet dander, seasonal allergy etc. Sometimes sneezing because of allergies can also result in respiratory problems like asthma. The sneeze can be intense and result in significant pain in the lower abdomen if it happens constantly.
Cold and Flu throughout the year many people suffer from cold and flu in different seasons of the year. Cold and flu, even though can be cured easily with the help of medicines and effective diagnosis, it can cause serious coughing and sneezing. So when a person is sneezing almost all day, his or her muscles tend to get weak and therefore they will experience pain in the abdomen.
Here are the two most common reasons because of which people constantly sneeze and as a result, they face different issues including pain in the abdomen. Now let us have a look at how to treat sneezing if it is happening continuously.
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