Q: What is acute abdomen?
A: Acute abdomen is a sudden onset of stomach pain that lasts for several hours or longer. The word “acute” means it happens very suddenly; the word “abdomen” refers to the part of the body between the chest and the genitals.
When a patient has an acute abdomen, the pain is so intense that it makes it difficult for them to move or breathe and makes them want to go to the hospital or to a doctor or nurse immediately. A true abdominal emergency is a medical emergency.
The symptoms of pain vary from patient to patient and can be described as sharp or crampy, and the pain can be all over the abdomen or part of the abdomen. Sometimes the patient feels better when he or she rolls the body into a ball. Other times, patients may feel sick to their stomach and experience nausea and vomiting.
Of course, not all patients with abdominal pain have an acute abdomen. Sometimes when the pain is not severe, it may be caused by factors like a virus or gastritis.
Second, Q; what is the cause of acute abdomen?
A: Acute abdomen can be caused by different factors. Acute abdomen is likely to occur when there is a serious problem with one or more of the abdominal organs. The abdominal organs can be part of the digestive system, the urinary system, or the female reproductive system.
Chest infections or infections of the reproductive system can also cause an acute abdomen, even if these organs are not in the abdomen, but the patient still feels abdominal pain. Factors that usually cause acute abdominal symptoms in adult patients include
Appendicitis: infection and inflammation of the appendix (a thin, long sac that hangs down from the large intestine).
Diverticulitis: inflammation or infection that occurs in the small pouches (i.e. diverticula) that form along the wall of the intestine. This is commonly seen in older patients.
Gallstones: Gallstones are stones that form in an organ called the gallbladder (which stores bile, a fluid that helps the body break down fat).
Abscess: A condition that exists somewhere in the intestine where a lot of pus has built up.
Perforated intestine: A hole in the wall of the intestine.
Perforated ulcer: A hole in the wall of the stomach or intestine.
Pancreatitis: Infection and inflammation of the pancreas.
Ruptured ovarian cysts: Cystic sacs filled with cystic fluid can form in the ovaries of a woman’s body. Sometimes they rupture, meaning that the sacs open and cystic fluid spills out.
Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus.
Q: Should I go to the doctor or nurse?
A: Yes, if you have symptoms of an acute abdomen, it is important to see a doctor, nurse or go to the hospital immediately and start treatment immediately.
Q: Do I need to be examined?
A: It is possible. The doctor or nurse will ask you about your symptoms, including where your pain is, what it feels like, current and past illnesses, etc., and will arrange for some tests afterwards. As time goes on, the doctor may run some tests again based on your symptoms.
The doctor will decide what tests should be done based on the patient’s symptoms and individual circumstances, including
Blood tests
Urinalysis
X-rays
Ultrasound, CT scan or other imaging tests
V. Q: How is acute abdominal disease treated?
A: Treatment depends on what is causing the pain. Treatment may include options for at least one of the following.
intravenous fluids
pain medication
antibiotics
Medications to treat other conditions
Surgical procedures