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abdominal pain: Health Search Results from the Invisible Web

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abdominal pain - Definition: (Source: MedicineNet)

Abdominal pain: Pain in the belly (the abdomen). Abdominal pain can come from conditions affecting a variety of organs. The abdomen is an anatomical area that is bounded by the lower margin of the ribs above, the pelvic bone (pubic ramus) below, and the flanks on each side. Although abdominal pain can arise from the tissues of the abdominal wall that surround the abdominal cavity (the skin and abdominal wall muscles), the term abdominal pain generally is used to describe pain originating from organs within the abdominal cavity (from beneath the skin and muscles). These organs include the stomach, small intestine, colon, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. ...
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abdominal pain - Images (Source: MedLinePlus)
abdominal pain, Anatomical landmarks, front view
Anatomical landmarks, front view 		abdominal pain, Digestive system
Digestive system 		abdominal pain, Abdominal organs
Abdominal organs 		abdominal pain, Abdominal quadrants
Abdominal quadrants 		abdominal pain, Appendicitis
Appendicitis 		abdominal pain, Kidney function
Kidney function

About abdominal pain (Source: Medem)
Acute abdominal pain has a sudden onset, can persist for several hours or days, and may be caused by a variety of conditions or diseases. This type of abdominal pain is a common physical complaint and prompted more than seven million emergency department visits last year in the United States. Sometimes abdominal pain stems from constipation or overeating and goes away without medical treatment. In other cases, however, the pain may be a warning sign of something more serious. Accompanying symptoms of nausea, vomiting or fever along with certain physical indications (see below) suggest abdominal problems that could require surgical treatment. It is this situation that doctors often refer to as an acute abdomen. There are also special and additional concerns when abdominal pain occurs in infants, children, women and elderly persons. ...
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eMedicineHealth Abdominal pain

Frequently Asked Questions for abdominal pain (Source: MedicineNet)
What is abdominal pain?
What causes abdominal pain?
How is the cause of abdominal pain diagnosed?
Characteristics of the abdominal pain
Physical examination
Exams and tests
Special problem in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) of diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain
Why can diagnosis of the cause of abdominal pain be difficult?
How can I help my doctor to determine the cause of my abdominal pain?
Abdominal Pain At A Glance

Causes of abdominal pain (Source: MedLinePlus)
Many different conditions can cause abdominal pain. The key is to know when you must seek medical care right away. In many cases you can simply wait, use home care remedies, and call your doctor at a later time only if the symptoms persist. Possible causes include: Appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix); Bowel obstruction ; Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) with or without gallstones ; Chronic constipation ; Dissecting abdominal aortic aneurysm ; Diverticular disease, including diverticulitis ; Easly-stage shingles (a viral infection where pain begins before the appearance of a rash); Excessive gas; Food allergy ; Food poisoning (salmonella, shigella); Gastroesophageal reflux ; Heartburn or indigestion ; Hernia ; Infectious mononucleosis; Inflammatory bowel disease ( Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis ); Intussusception -- while uncommon, this is a serious possible cause of pain in an infant who may be bringing the knees to the chest and crying; Irritable bowel syndrome ; Kidney stones ; Lactose intolerance ; Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas); Parasitic infections (Giardia); Sickle cell crisis ; Spinal fracture; Ulcers ; Urinary tract infections ; Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu). When an inflamed organ (such as the appendix) in the abdomen ruptures or leaks fluid, you not only have excruciating pain, your abdomen will be very stiff and you likely will have a fever. This occurs as peritonitis (inflammation and infection of the lining of the ...
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abdominal pain - Conventional Treatments (Source: MedLinePlus)
For mild pains: Sip water or other clear fluids. Avoid solid food for the first few hours. If you have been vomiting, wait 6 hours. Then eat small amounts of mild foods such as rice, applesauce or crackers. ; If the pain is high up in your abdomen and occurs after meals, antacids may provide some relief, especially if you feel heartburn or indigestion. Avoid citrus, high-fat foods, fried or greasy foods, tomato products, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. You may also try H2 blockers (Tagamet, Pepcid, or Zantac) available over the counter. If any of these medicines worsen your pain, CALL your doctor right away. AVOID aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications, and narcotic pain medications unless your health care provider prescribes them. If you know that your pain is not related to your liver, you can try acetaminophen (Tylenol). ...
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Further Reading on abdominal pain

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