Abdominal pain classification: Difference between revisions
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====Ischemic Acute abdomen==== | ====Ischemic Acute abdomen==== | ||
Vascular disorders are more likely to affect the small bowel than the large bowel. Arterial supply to the intestines is provided by the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, (SMA and IMA respectively) both of which are direct branches of the aorta. | Vascular disorders are more likely to affect the small bowel than the large bowel. Arterial supply to the intestines is provided by the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, (SMA and IMA respectively) both of which are direct branches of the aorta. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 14:58, 14 June 2013
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Abdominal pain On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Abdominal pain |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Abdominal pain can be classified into three categories: acute abdomen, recurrent, and chronic functional. Acute abdomen refers to a sudden, severe pain in the abdomen that is less than 24 hours in duration. It is in many cases an emergency condition requiring urgent and specific diagnosis, and the treatment usually involves surgery.
Classification
Abdominal pain is traditionally described by its:
- Chronicity (acute or chronic)
- Progression over time
- Nature (sharp, dull, colicky)
- Characterization of the factors that make the pain worse or alleviate it
- Distribution determined by various methods:
- Such as abdominal quadrant (left upper quadrant, left lower quadrant, right upper quadrant, right lower quadrant)
- Other methods that divide the abdomen into nine sections
Acute abdomen
Peritonitis
Acute abdomen is occasionally used synonymously with peritonitis. This is not incorrect; however, peritonitis is the more specific term, referring to inflammation of the peritoneum. It is diagnosed on physical examination as rebound tenderness, or pain upon removal of pressure rather than application of pressure to the abdomen. Peritonitis may result from several diseases, notably appendicitis and pancreatitis.
Ischemic Acute abdomen
Vascular disorders are more likely to affect the small bowel than the large bowel. Arterial supply to the intestines is provided by the superior and inferior mesenteric arteries, (SMA and IMA respectively) both of which are direct branches of the aorta.