Controlling Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a life threatening medical condition as it can be severe and persistent pain of sudden onset that is likely to require surgical intervention to treat its cause. The pain may frequently be associated with nausea and vomiting, abdominal distention, fever and signs of shock. One of the most common conditions associated with acute abdominal pain is acute appendicitis. It 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.

Abdominal pain 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. However, the lowermost portion of the area described previously. is the pelvis, which contains the urinary bladder and rectum as well as the prostate gland in men, and the uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries in women. Practically speaking, it often is difficult to know if lower abdominal pain is coming from the lower abdomen or pelvis.

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 (i.e., it is referred to a different area).Abdominal pains occurs between the chest and pelvic regions; it can be cramp-like, achy, dull, or sharp. The organs in the abdomen are: intestines, kidneys, appendix, spleen, stomach, liver and pancreas

Inflammation or diseases that affect these organs can cause pain in the abdomen. Viral or bacterial infections that affect the stomach and intestines may also cause significant abdominal pain and it is sometimes referred to as a stomach ache.

It can range in intensity from a mild stomach ache to severe acute pain, while the pain is often nonspecific and can be caused by a variety of conditions. Many organs are found within the abdominal cavity. Sometimes the pain is directly related to a specific organ such as the bladder or ovary, while at other times it is more diffuse or non-specific. Usually, abdominal pain originates in the digestive system and the pain can be caused by appendicitis, diarrheal cramping, or food poisoning.

In an interview with Sunday Mirror, a medical practitioner with Mild Gate Hospital, Maryland, Lagos, Dr Tayo Iyimade explains on abdominal pain as the discomfort that a sufferer feels, a pain between the lower chest to the distal groin. It is caused by inflammation, contraction of the intestinal muscles or hyper sensitivity to normal intestinal activities.

“Abdominal pains can be controlled by drinking water or other clear fluids. The sufferer avoids food for the first few hours. When the pain in the abdomen is high and occurs after meals, antacids may help, especially when the victims feels heartburn or indigestion. Patients should avoid citrus, high-fat foods, fried or greasy foods, tomato products, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. Drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications, and narcotic pain pills should be avoided, unless it is prescribed by the health care provider, meals that are well-balanced and high in fiber should be encouraged with fruits and vegetables.”He explained.

source: nationalmirroronline.net