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Abdominal Distress

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

What is going on in the body?

Distress is a very common complaint. There are many different reasons why a person might have problems, and the exact cause is not always clear. Symptoms may be mild and of no great concern, or they may signal a life-threatening condition.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

Distress often comes from the gut, or the gastrointestinal tract (GI). It may also come from other organs or tissues inside the gut. Other times, conditions totally outside the gut, such as a lung infection, cause GI distress.

Possible causes of GI distress include:

bleeding into the GI wall muscles

bowel or GI infections, such as diverticulitis or appendicitis

cancer

inflammation of the GI lining, known as peritonitis

inflammation of the pancreas, usually due to alcohol use, infection, or drug use

injury or strain to the GI wall muscles

sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), such as gonococcal infections

A healthcare provider's main concern is making sure the pain is not caused by a life-threatening condition. For instance, appendicitis can result in death if not treated fairly quickly.

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

There are hundreds of conditions that can cause abdominal discomfort. There are several aspects of GI pain or discomfort that a healthcare provider may want to know about, including:

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

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

How is the condition diagnosed?

A medical history and physical examination often lead a healthcare provider to narrow the list of potential causes for GI 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. Abdominal exploratory surgery may be needed to make the diagnosis.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

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

avoiding illegal drugs

drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all

following safer sex guidelines to prevent STDs

seeking prompt treatment for infections, diseases, and conditions

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?

GI distress itself is not contagious. However, an underlying cause such as sexually transmitted disease may be contagious.

What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatments vary widely depending on the cause of the GI 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 carries a risk of bleeding, infection, and allergic reaction to anesthesia.

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.

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