abdominal distress

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Alternative Names
abdominal pain, abdominal discomfort

Definition

Abdominal distress refers to any pain or discomfort in the abdomen.

What is going on in the body?

Abdominal distress is a very common complaint. The list of different possible causes is long, and the exact cause is often not clear, especially at first. Symptoms may be mild and of no great concern, or they may signal a life-threatening condition.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

There are hundreds of conditions that can cause abdominal discomfort.

The most important aspects that a healthcare provider needs to know about in order to narrow down the list include:

how severe the pain is
what makes the pain better or worse, if anything
what the pain feels like, such as whether the pain is sharp or cramping or burning
when the pain started
where the pain is located
whether or not other symptoms are present
whether or not the pain moves to other areas
whether the pain is constant or comes and goes
whether the pain is related to certain foods or a certain time in the menstrual cycle for women

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Abdominal distress often comes from the gut, or the gastrointestinal tract. It may also come from other organs or tissues inside the abdomen.

Other times, conditions totally outside the abdomen, such as a lung infection, cause abdominal distress.

Common causes of abdominal distress include:

bleeding into the abdominal wall muscles
spasms of the intestines, known as irritable bowel syndrome
bowel or abdominal infections, such as diverticulitis or appendicitis
cancer
peptic ulcers or acid reflux disease
gallbladder disease, often, but not always caused by gallstones
inflammation of the abdominal lining, known as peritonitis
inflammation of the pancreas, usually due to alcohol use, infection, or drug use
lack of adequate blood flow to the digestive system, called ischmia
blockage of the digestive tract, such as adhesions, inflammation, or tumor
injury or strain to the abdominal wall muscles
sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as gonococcal infections

A healthcare provider's first concern is making sure the pain is not caused by a life-threatening condition. For instance, appendicitis can result in death if diagnosis and treatment are delayed.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Often, nothing can be done to prevent new abdominal discomfort. Some abdominal problems can be avoided by:

avoiding illegal drugs
drinking alcohol in moderation if at all
following safer sex guidelines to prevent STDs
seeking prompt treatment for infections, diseases, and conditions

How is the condition diagnosed?

A medical history and physical examination often lead a healthcare provider to narrow the list of potential causes for abdominal distress. Further testing depends on the possible remaining causes.

Testing may include blood tests and X-rays. The provider may order an abdominal CT scan or abdominal MRI. Endoscopy of the digestive tract, using a tube with a light and camera chip through the mouth or rectum, may be ordered. In some instances, abdominal exploratory surgery may be needed to make the diagnosis.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Long-term effects can range from none to permanent disability or even to death. This depends on the underlying cause of the abdominal distress.

What are the risks to others?

Abdominal distress itself is not contagious. However, an underlying cause such as bacterial or viral colitis or a sexually transmitted disease may be contagious.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatments vary widely depending on the cause of the abdominal discomfort. Treatment may include medicines or surgery.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

All medicines have potential side effects, including allergic reactions and stomach upset. Surgery can be complicated by bleeding, infection, or an allergic reaction to the anesthetic.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

Follow-up depends on the underlying cause. A person may need no further monitoring or may need treatment for the rest of his or her life.

How is the condition monitored?

Monitoring depends on the underlying cause of the problem. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.

Author:Adam Brochert, MD
Date Written:04/18/00
Medical Review:Jeff Fenyves, MD
Date Written:9/25/2006
Reviewer:Reginald Finger, MD
Date Reviewed:10/6/2006
Contributors
Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request