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An acute abdomen is a condition that is usually characteristic of acute appendicitis, but can also indicate many other conditions. Regardless of its cause, it requires medical attention as soon as possible, as it is life-threatening. What are the causes of acute abdominal symptoms? How is this type of disease treated?

Acute abdomenis a symptom complex that is characteristic of a number of surgical, internal and gynecological diseases. This condition requires surgical intervention as soon as possible, as it is life-threatening.

Sharp belly - causes

The causes of the acute abdomen can be divided into:

1.surgical

  • inflammation (e.g. inflammatory bowel diseases, appendicitis)
  • obstruction (e.g. intestines, biliary colic)
  • ischemia (e.g. due to torsion of a visceral organ)
  • perforation (e.g. ulcer, diverticulum)

2.non-surgical

  • cardiovascular diseases (e.g. myocardial ischemia)
  • diseases of the digestive system (e.g. inflammation of the liver, gastric mucosa)
  • genitourinary system (e.g. urinary tract infection)
  • nervous system (e.g. spinal cord pruritus)
  • endocrine system (e.g. diabetes)
  • metabolic diseases (e.g. uremia)
  • infectious diseases (e.g. shingles)

3.gynecological

  • ectopic pregnancy
  • ovarian cyst
  • ovulatory pain
  • endometriosis
  • inflammation of the fallopian tubes

Acute belly - symptoms

The basic symptom of a "acute abdomen" is a hard, strongly tense and distended abdomen with localized pain. It can be continuous pain that is usually attributed to inflammation, or it can be a colic pain that is characteristic of an obstruction. It can have a different onset (sudden or escalating) as well as the degree of severity. In addition, it can stay constant, and decrease or increase, as well as move (this is characteristic of appendicitis).

In addition, intestinal peristalsis stops (the so-called silence in the abdomen), vomiting,breathing and an increase in body temperature. Increased heart rate, pale skin, cold forehead and hands are noticeable.

Acute abdomen - diagnosis

A medical history is necessary to identify the cause of an acute abdomen. If possible, the patient should identify the location of pain, its nature and onset. You should also determine the severity of your pain. Blood tests as well as X-ray and ultrasound of the abdominal cavity are also helpful in making a diagnosis.

Acute abdomen - treatment

A sharp abdomen usually requires a surgeon to open the abdomen.

Important

If a sick person complains about the so-called sharp abdomen, do not give him food, drink or painkillers, as they may distort the picture of the disease and, consequently, delay or prevent an accurate diagnosis.

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Category:

Gastrology