What Causes Generalized Abdominal Pain?
Generalized abdominal pain can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'minor' to 'generally fatal'. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.
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Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose generalized abdominal pain, we could:
- Research the topic
- Find a doctor with the time
- Use a diagnostic computer system.
Step 1: List all Possible Causes
We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "generalized abdominal pain" as a symptom. Here are eight of many possibilities (more below):
- Aspartame/Neotame Side-Effects
- Hemochromatosis
- Glomerulonephritis
- Carcinoid Cancer
- Ovarian Cancer
- West Nile Virus
- Giardia
- Endometriosis
Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist
We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:
wheezing
having foamy urine
loss of appetite
endometriosis
premenstrual abdominal bloating
past giardia infection
severe right iliac pain
vomiting for 1-3 months
shortness of breath when at rest
facial flushing
very great unexplained weight loss
painful urination
wheezing having foamy urine loss of appetite endometriosis premenstrual abdominal bloating past giardia infection severe right iliac pain vomiting for 1-3 months shortness of breath when at rest facial flushing very great unexplained weight loss painful urination... and more than 90 others
Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause
A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of generalized abdominal pain:
| Cause | Probability | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Carcinoid Cancer | 97% | Confirm |
| Endometriosis | 29% | Unlikely |
| Aspartame/Neotame Side-Effects | 26% | Unlikely |
| Hemochromatosis | 4% | Ruled out |
| Glomerulonephritis | 4% | Ruled out |
| Ovarian Cancer | 3% | Ruled out |
| Giardia | 1% | Ruled out |
| West Nile Virus | 1% | Ruled out |
* This is a simple example to illustrate the process
Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis
The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.
If you indicate abdominal pain unaffected by eating, abdominal pain reduced by eating or abdominal pain increased by eating, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:
|
Do you experience general abdominal discomfort or pain that is difficult to pinpoint?
Possible responses:
→ No / can pinpoint / only after meals / don't know→ Occasional mild discomfort → Frequent mild and/or occasional moderate pain → Frequent moderate and/or occasional severe pain → Frequent or constant severe pain |
A Potentially Urgent Medical Need
Severe acute or prolonged abdominal pain is a possible symptom of many serious conditions. You are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible, unless you already know the cause of the pain.
Carcinoid Cancer
Abdominal pain may occur alone or in combination with other symptoms such as diarrhea and/or flushing and can be controlled with pain medication.
Congestive Heart Failure
Accumulation of fluid (due to congestive heart failure) in the liver and intestines may cause nausea, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite.
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
IBS can cause the intestines to contract when the digestive tract responds to triggers such as stress and certain foods. This contraction can cause severe abdominal pain.
Lactose Intolerance
Recurrent abdominal pain is a symptom of lactose intolerance.
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Last updated: Nov 08, 2023