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Abdominal distress

Definition

Abdominal distress is any pain or discomfort in the abdomen. The abdomen is the part of the body between the chest and groin, It is often referred to as the stomach region or belly.

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Information

Diseases or problems with any of the organs inside the abdominal cavity can lead to pain as well as other symptoms like a change in bowel habits, nausea, or vomiting.

Abdominal pain may be:

  • Acute (sudden) or chronic (ongoing)
  • Crampy or sharp
  • Associated with abdominal rigidity (board-like stiffness)

Rigidity suggests peritonitis and may be due to a ruptured organ (such as the appendix).

Pain in the abdomen may also start from somewhere else -- such as your chest or pelvic area. It may be due to an infection that affecting many parts of your body (such as the flu or strep throat).

If you have any sudden onset of abdominal pain, you should seek immediate medical attention. Call your local emergency number (such as 911) or go to the hospital emergency room if:

  • You have sudden, sharp abdominal pain
  • You have pain with a fever (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit for adults or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit for children)
  • You have chest, neck, or shoulder pain
  • You are vomiting blood or have blood in your stool (especially if maroon or dark, tarry black)
  • Your abdomen is tender and hard to the touch
  • You are unable to pass stool, especially if you are also vomiting
Review Date: 7/17/2007
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Professor of Endocrinology, Department of Biology, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH, and physician in the Primary Care Clinic, Cincinnati Veterans Administration Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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