Diagnosis

Since the causes for the development of stomach cramps can be so diverse, special emphasis should be placed on the exact diagnosis of the underlying disease. The first and most important step in the diagnosis of stomach cramps is the detailed doctor-patient consultation (in short: anamnesis). During this conversation, the patient should discuss his or her own symptoms as precisely as possible.

Both the localization of the pain and the simultaneous occurrence of diarrhea and/or vomiting can be of decisive importance for the diagnosis. Subsequently, an examination of the abdominal cavity is performed when diagnosing stomach cramps. During this physical examination, all four quadrants of the abdomen are listened to.

This measure is used to assess intestinal activity. Subsequently, the abdominal cavity is examined superficially for pressure pain and possible resistance. In order to exclude possible organ diseases, each organ is recorded during the physical examination.

Both the size of the liver and the circumference of the spleen can be assessed by locating the organ boundaries accordingly. In addition, if appendicitis is suspected, various special pressure points are visited. The renal bed and the gall bladder should also be examined for painfulness during the diagnosis of stomach cramps.

Furthermore, the diagnosis is followed by a blood test and various laboratory tests. Important parameters in the diagnosis of stomach cramps are: Deviations in the blood count or organ-specific blood values can give an indication of the cause of the stomach cramps. Another important measure in the diagnosis of stomach cramps is the performance of an ultrasound examination.

By means of ultrasound, for example, changes in the liver, kidneys, pancreas and gallbladder can be visualized. In addition, a severely inflamed appendix can also be depicted by ultrasound. An examination of the stool can provide indications of possible bleeding in the area of the lower gastrointestinal tract.

The upper part of the gastrointestinal tract can be visualized by an endoscopic examination. During this gastroscopy, pathological changes can be visualized and possibly a diagnosis at the level of the stomach can be secured. If the findings are suspicious, tissue samples can be taken during the gastroscopy.

Signs of inflammation (leukocytes and CRP),
Liver values
Various pancreatic enzymes
Kidney values.