Introduction
Typically, the symptom “abdominal pain” is associated with the female sex. Although less frequent, pain in the lower abdomen also occurs in men. Pain in the region below the navel or in the small pelvis is referred to as abdominal or lower abdominal pain.
The causes are varied and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea, flatulence, circulatory problems, bloody stools or urine. Signs of inflammation in the form of swelling or redness also occur in connection with certain causes. Changes in stool habits and when urinating should be a reason for further clarification.
A frequent cause of abdominal discomfort is the organs located in the small pelvis. These include parts of the digestive tract and the urinary system. In addition to a hernia or acute appendicitis, urinary tract infections or stones in the urinary system cause unpleasant pain.
The same applies to protrusions of the intestinal wall and chronic as well as acute intestinal inflammation. In any case, the suspicion of a tumor should be reliably excluded. Diseases of the reproductive organs are also associated with abdominal pain.
They affect the prostate, the testicles or epididymis. The anamnesis plays an important role in clarifying the abdominal pain. In addition to the course of the complaints and other symptoms, the character of the pain should be described in detail: Such characteristics provide important information for clarifying the cause.
A clinical examination, laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures adapted to the symptoms complement the investigation of the cause. In general, a doctor should be consulted in the case of abdominal pain. A urologist, a general practitioner and, in cases of high urgency, the emergency outpatient clinic at the hospital can be considered.
- Is the pain easily localized?
- Does it radiate into other regions?
- Does it occur on one side or both sides?
- Is it colic or a persistent pain?
- Is it dull or stinging?
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