Condition
Abdominal pain refers to pain that occurs between the chest and the pelvis. While the type of discomfort can range from cramping, aching, or a sharp pain, abdominal pain is usually not a cause for alarm.
However, inflammation or diseases that affect the organs in the abdomen may cause abdominal pain. These organs in the abdomen may include the stomach, appendix, liver, gallbladder, small and large intestines, kidneys, spleen and pancreas.
Viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections that originate in the stomach or intestinal region may also lead to abdominal pain.
Abdominal Pain
Due to its location, abdominal pain can be caused by several conditions. These conditions usually signify infection, abnormal growths, inflammation, obstruction, and even intestinal disorders within the abdominal region.
Persistent stomach or abdominal pain may also indicate signs of something more serious. Conditions such as GERD can lead to chronic abdominal pain. At the same time, other gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease have also been observed to cause severe abdominal pain.
Other causes of severe abdominal pain may include:
Appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix)
This common condition is an infection of the appendix. It can cause pain at the lower right side of the abdomen. Treatment of appendicitis is done with intravenous antibiotics and surgery for the removal of the appendix.
Gallbladder Diseases
Gallbladder diseases refer to conditions that can affect your gallbladder. One of the primary causes of gallbladder diseases is inflammation due to irritation of the gallbladder walls caused by blockages along the bile ducts.
Stomach Ulcers
Stomach ulcers, also known as peptic ulcers, are painful open sores in the lining of the stomach. Gastric ulcers develop on the inner lining of your stomach while duodenal ulcers develop on the inside of the upper part of your small intestine. They occur when the thick layer of mucus which protects your stomach from digestive enzymes is reduced as this enables the digestive acids to destroy the tissues lining your stomach.
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When discomfort is felt on the right side of the abdomen, it’s not always serious. Built-up gas in your intestines can cause cramps and discomfort. However, discomfort in the right abdomen may also be an indication of more severe problems such as appendicitis or gallstones if you notice that the pain persists for a period of time.
When pain arises, take note of where it occurs and monitor for any other accompanying symptoms. Whether the pain radiates to other areas or decreases with an action or movement may be an indicator of the condition as well.
With that said, it is important to seek professional medical advice in order to properly diagnose your condition.
Discomfort in the left abdomen is usually caused by excess gas or constipation. Other symptoms that may indicate this include bloating, a sense of heaviness in the stomach and regular belching – all signs which point towards an unhealthy digestive system.
However, left sided abdominal pain has also been associated with much more serious conditions such as kidney stones, endometriosis (for women) and diverticulitis.
There are a few rare cases where discomfort on the left side of your abdomen can be an indication that you are having heart trouble, but there will usually be other accompanying symptoms like chest discomfort radiating to the stomach and shortness of breath that could indicate that you may be experiencing a heart attack.
Most abdominal pain may go away with no treatment required. However, persistent abdominal pain or severe pain may require immediate medical attention.
You are advised to seek immediate medical attention if the source of the abdominal pain is associated with a recent accident or injury, which could be a sign of structural or organ damage within the body.
You are also advised to seek immediate medical attention if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:
Diagnosing abdominal pain can be tricky as it can be related to multiple conditions. For our doctor to accurately diagnose the condition, you may need to undergo a series of tests.
Firstly, our doctor will conduct a physical examination to determine the region of the pain. This may include applying pressure to gently press on the various areas of the abdomen to localise the pain region and check for tenderness and swelling.
Following the examination, our doctor will also note the severity of the pain and its location within the abdomen to recommend the tests to be conducted.
Our doctor may first recommend imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan to view the structure and organs within the abdomen. This can help our doctor identify signs of large tumours or inflammation present in the organs.
Other tests that may be recommended include:
Samples such as blood or stool may also be taken to investigate for possible signs of bacterial, parasitic, or viral infections.
Colonoscopy Cost: $2,958
Gastroscopy Cost: $2,780
Barium Enema Cost: $300-$500
Faecal Occult Blood Test/Faecal Immunochemical Test Cost: $3-$40
Faecal DNA Testing Cost: $400-$800
The pricing information provided serves as a guideline from the Ministry of Health and is accurate at the time of publication. However, please note that prices may be subject to change without notice. Consult your insurance provider to understand your coverage and any potential out-of-pocket expenses. For more enquiries, contact G&L Surgical and we will gladly assist you.
While not all cases of abdominal pain can be prevented, it is possible to lower the chances of developing pain symptoms if you can adhere to the following habits, which include:
Our doctor may advise a specialised diet to reduce the frequency of discomfort for patients afflicted with conditions such as Crohn’s disease. Similarly, for patients with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), they may be advised to avoid consuming large meals and avoid eating 2 hours before bedtime.
Lying down right after a meal may also lead to heartburn and abdominal pain. You are advised to wait at least 2 hours after consuming food before lying down.
Dr Ganesh at G & L Surgical Clinic strives to prioritise his patients’ recovery and comfort. Having had adequate experience in performing abdominal surgeries for numerous patients for many years in Singapore.
Furthermore, the staff at G & L Surgical Clinic have been thoroughly and adequately trained to make your experience a comfortable and hassle-free one. Whether you intend to undergo our abdominal treatments, procedures or other medical services in Singapore, you can rest assured that you will be properly and sufficiently cared for by trained professionals.
Organise a consultation with our surgeons for further assistance on abdominal treatments in Singapore.
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