Medicine & Health - Abdominal pain

The abdomen - the lower part of the trunk, running from the diaphragm to the pelvis - contains many of the body's vital organs, including the stomach, kidneys and liver.The abdominal cavity is enclosed at the front by the layers of skin and fat and at the back by the spine and lower ribs.The organs in the abdomen are sealed within a smooth, thin membrane called the peritoneum.If this is broken, bacteria can enter the cavity and cause a serious infection.

TYPES OF ABDOMINAL PAIN

Abdominal pain may be short-lived or chronic (recurring) and felt in various areas.It can take many forms and may be described as griping, gnawing, boring, deep grinding, nagging, bloating, colicky, cramping and stabbing.

Because the abdominal cavity contains various body organs and systems, there are many possible causes of abdominal pain.In addition, pain in other areas of the body can suggest a problem in the abdominal area.Pain in the liver, for example, may be felt in the right shoulder.This is known as referred pain.

DIAGNOSIS

To help with diagnosis a doctor may gently investigate tender areas with his or her fingers.He or she may also tap the abdomen; a dull rather than a resonant sound may suggest the presence of fluid or a growth. A stethoscope may be used to listen for abnormal bowel sound; unusually loud sounds can indicate enteritis (inflammation of the small intestine) or minor digestive problems.The doctor will also take account of any other symptoms, such as swelling, diarrhoea, constipation, abnormal stools, urinary problems, wind, heartburn, vomiting, vaginal bleeding and heavy, painful period.

CAUSES OF ABDOMINAL PAIN

Abdominal pain may be caused by food poisoning, which may also lead to diarrhoea, vomiting and constipation.Other causes include menstrual problems or pregnancy, hiatus hernia, stomach or duodenal ulcer,or other damage to structure of the abdomen.In children psychological factors, wind, colic, appendicitis or inflammation of the lymph glands around the intestines may be responsible.Otherwise, abdominal pain is generally the result of a disorder that affects one of the organs or systems that the abdomen contains.

General Symptoms - Glands, swollen

GLANDS,SWOLLEN

Swollen glands are enlarged lymph nodes - they swell and become noticeable when they are fighting infection, and may also be sore.The glands most easily felt are under the jaw, all around the neck and in the armpits and groin.

OCCASIONAL CAUSES:
Glandular fever, cat-stracth fever (common in children); sarcoidosis; German measles (rubella);
measles; systemic lupus erythematosis (an inflammatory disease); rheumatoid arthritis; sexually transmitted diseases (eg lymphogranuloma venereum, granuloma inguinale).

RARE CAUSES:
AIDS and AIDS related complex; tuberculosis; tropical diseases (eg leprosy, filariasis); drug reactions.

COMMON CAUSES:

General viral infection

This is the cause of nine out of ten cases of swollen glands.Enlarged glands may be felt around the body (in the neck, armpits, groin). You may be generally unwell, with a fever.
Action:
Rest, drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, take paracetamol regularly.If not begining to improve after five days,GP for advice.


Localized infection

Enlargement of single group of glands (such as in the neck).Fever and feeling generally unwell; possibly with specific symptoms as cough or sore throat.
Action:
As for general viral infection, above.


Cancer

Slowly enlargeing, often painless, hard, fixed glands, usually in a single group.Present for six weeks or more.
Action:
See GP as soon as possible.

White cell cancers (lymphoma, leukaemia, myeloma)

as for cancer above, but may involve several groups of glands.Night sweats and itching common.
Action:
Se GP as soon as possible.

Septicaemia (bacterial infection in bloodstream)

Several groups of glands are cenlarge.Feeling very ill, high fever, possible confusion and delirium.

Action:
Urgent GP assessment.A home visit may be necessary if you are confused.

Family Guide to Medicine & Health - Introduction

Medicine & Health - Symptom


Symptoms are the sign that something is wrong somewhere in the body or mind.
Knowing how to understand and evaluate your symptoms will help you to get the right
treatment at the right time. (will disscus later).

Emergency symptoms - Alway consult a doctor urgently if you, or anyone in your care, has any of the following symptoms.

1. Sudden, severe, crushing chest paint.
2. Severe breathlessness.
3. Sudden and lasting confusion or loss of consciousness.
4. Severe headache and neck stiffness, particulary if associated with eye pain on looking at a normal-strength light.
5. Sudden loss of vision.
6. Severe and constant abdominal pain.
7. Vomiting blood.
8. Jet-black bowel motions.
9. Diarrhoea and vomiting lasting more than 24 hours.
10. Severe back pain with pain or numbness down both legs and sudden incontinence.