Abdominal pain
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain (pronounced: /æbˈdɒmɪnəl peɪn/) is a sensation of discomfort or distress in the area of the body between the chest and the pelvis. The term is often used to refer to pain that is felt in the stomach area.
Etymology
The term "abdominal" is derived from the Latin word "abdomen," which means "belly." The word "pain" comes from the Old French "peine," which is derived from the Latin "poena," meaning "punishment."
Causes
Abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including gastroenteritis, appendicitis, gallstones, kidney stones, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It can also be a symptom of more serious conditions, such as pancreatitis, stomach cancer, or ovarian cancer.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of abdominal pain typically involves a physical examination and a review of the patient's medical history. Additional tests, such as blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests (like an ultrasound or CT scan), may also be used to help determine the cause of the pain.
Treatment
Treatment for abdominal pain depends on the underlying cause. It may include medications to manage pain, dietary changes, or, in some cases, surgery. For example, appendicitis often requires appendectomy, the surgical removal of the appendix.
Related Terms
- Acute Abdominal Pain: Sudden onset of severe abdominal pain.
- Chronic Abdominal Pain: Long-term, persistent abdominal pain.
- Referred Pain: Pain felt in a part of the body other than its actual source.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Abdominal pain
- Wikipedia's article - Abdominal pain
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