Abdominal pain

Key facts The nature of the abdominal pain can sometimes help to indicate the underlying pathology

There are a number of types of abdominal pain.

  • Colic is a severe pain that usually comes in waves and is thought to be due to distension of the stomach or intestine, usually by gas
  • Ulcer pain is often described as a gnawing pain that is relieved by meals or snacks and promptly relieved by antacids. It often causes wakening at night. The pain may disappear entirely for weeks or months only to return again
  • Inflammation of the peritoneum causes tenderness to the touch and guarding (contraction of the abdominal muscles around the site of the pain). This is the type of pain associated with appendicitis.

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