Acute abdomen

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Acute Abdomen

The acute abdomen (pronounced: ah-kyoot ab-doh-men) is a term used in medicine to refer to sudden, severe abdominal pain that is considered a medical emergency. It is often characterized by the rapid onset of severe symptoms that may indicate a number of different conditions, ranging from appendicitis to a perforated peptic ulcer.

Etymology

The term "acute" comes from the Latin acutus, meaning "sharp" or "severe", while "abdomen" is derived from the Latin abdomen, meaning "belly".

Causes

The causes of an acute abdomen can be broadly categorized into gastrointestinal causes, vascular causes, and gynecological causes. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix, often caused by a blockage or infection.
  • Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually due to gallstones.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by gallstones or alcohol abuse.
  • Perforated peptic ulcer: A hole in the wall of the stomach or duodenum, often caused by an ulcer.
  • Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of a diverticulum in the colon.
  • Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy that occurs outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of an acute abdomen is typically based on the patient's history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. The exact diagnostic process may vary depending on the suspected cause of the acute abdomen.

Treatment

Treatment for an acute abdomen depends on the underlying cause. It may involve surgery, such as an appendectomy for appendicitis or a cholecystectomy for cholecystitis, or non-surgical treatments such as antibiotics for diverticulitis.

Related Terms

  • Chronic abdomen: Persistent or recurrent abdominal pain.
  • Referred pain: Pain felt in a part of the body other than its actual source.
  • Peritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum, often a complication of an acute abdomen.

External links

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