Abdominal pain pathophysiology: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
* The pain associated with the abdomen in cases of inflammation of the [[parietal]] [[peritoneum]] (the part of the peritoneum lining the abdominal wall) is steady and aching, and is worsened by changes in the tension of peritoneum caused by pressure or positional change. This pain is often accompanied by tension of the abdominal muscles contracting in an effort to relieve such tension. | * The pain associated with the abdomen in cases of inflammation of the [[parietal]] [[peritoneum]] (the part of the peritoneum lining the abdominal wall) is steady and aching, and is worsened by changes in the tension of the peritoneum caused by pressure or positional change. This pain is often accompanied by tension of the abdominal muscles contracting in an effort to relieve such tension. | ||
* The pain associated with the obstruction of a hollow viscus (as opposed to peritoneal and solid organ pain) is often intermittent or "[[colic]]ky", coinciding with the peristaltic waves of the organ. Such cramps are exactly what is experienced in early acute [[appendicitis]] and [[gastroenteritis]] and are somewhat relieved by writhing and massages. | * The pain associated with the obstruction of a hollow viscus (as opposed to peritoneal and solid organ pain) is often intermittent or "[[colic]]ky", coinciding with the peristaltic waves of the organ. Such cramps are exactly what is experienced in early acute [[appendicitis]] and [[gastroenteritis]] and are somewhat relieved by writhing and massages. | ||
* Pain that is felt in the abdomen may be "referred" from elsewhere (''e.g.'', a disease process in the chest may cause pain in the abdomen), and abdominal processes can cause radiated pain elsewhere (''e.g.'', [[gall bladder]] pain—in [[cholecystitis]] or [[cholelithiasis]]—is often referred to the [[shoulder]]). | * Pain that is felt in the abdomen may be "referred" from elsewhere (''e.g.'', a disease process in the chest may cause pain in the abdomen), and abdominal processes can cause radiated pain elsewhere (''e.g.'', [[gall bladder]] pain—in [[cholecystitis]] or [[cholelithiasis]]—is often referred to the [[shoulder]]). | ||
Revision as of 14:25, 6 August 2012
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
- The pain associated with the abdomen in cases of inflammation of the parietal peritoneum (the part of the peritoneum lining the abdominal wall) is steady and aching, and is worsened by changes in the tension of the peritoneum caused by pressure or positional change. This pain is often accompanied by tension of the abdominal muscles contracting in an effort to relieve such tension.
- The pain associated with the obstruction of a hollow viscus (as opposed to peritoneal and solid organ pain) is often intermittent or "colicky", coinciding with the peristaltic waves of the organ. Such cramps are exactly what is experienced in early acute appendicitis and gastroenteritis and are somewhat relieved by writhing and massages.
- Pain that is felt in the abdomen may be "referred" from elsewhere (e.g., a disease process in the chest may cause pain in the abdomen), and abdominal processes can cause radiated pain elsewhere (e.g., gall bladder pain—in cholecystitis or cholelithiasis—is often referred to the shoulder).
- The pain associated with abdominal vascular disturbances (thrombosis or embolism) can be sudden or gradual in onset, and can be severe or mild. Pain associated with the rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm may radiate to the back, flank, or genitals.