Knowra Acute abdomen Acute abdomen Acute abdomen is sudden, severe abdominal pain or tenderness that may signal a time-critical condition. It requires prompt assessment to identify causes that need urgent treatment or surgery.
Peritonitis : Inflammation of the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering many abdominal organs. Guarding and rebound tenderness can signal irritation of the peritoneum.
Acute abdominal pain : Pain in the abdomen that begins suddenly or develops over a short period. This broader symptom category includes acute abdomen and many non-surgical illnesses.
Gastroenteritis : Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually causing diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. It can resemble a surgical emergency but often causes diffuse symptoms without peritoneal signs.
Acute pain : Pain that begins recently and is usually linked to tissue injury or an active illness. Sudden onset helps distinguish acute presentations from chronic abdominal disorders.
Acute appendicitis : Inflammation of the appendix, commonly presenting with abdominal pain that migrates toward the right lower quadrant. It is a frequent cause of acute pain that may require urgent surgery.
Bowel obstruction : A blockage that prevents intestinal contents from passing normally through the bowel. Obstruction causes pain, vomiting, distension, and can progress to ischemia or perforation.
Physical examination : Assessment of the body using observation, palpation, percussion, and auscultation. Abdominal tenderness, rigidity, and bowel sounds help shape the initial assessment.
Irritable bowel syndrome : A chronic disorder of gut-brain interaction marked by recurrent abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Its recurrent course contrasts with the acute, potentially life-threatening presentation.
Differential diagnosis : A structured list of possible explanations for a patient's signs and symptoms. The initial task is to rank causes by likelihood and danger, not identify one symptom alone.
Acute cholecystitis : Inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by obstruction of the cystic duct by a gallstone. Right upper abdominal pain and inflammation can require antibiotics and gallbladder removal.
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