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.
