Diagnosis
In many cases, a diagnosis can be made during a medical consultation by typical pain localization and the occurrence of certain accompanying symptoms. Particularly in the case of simple gastrointestinal infections, no further examinations are usually necessary. Physical examinations, such as palpation and listening to the abdomen, often help to confirm the diagnosis.
As a simple, quick and safe means for the affected person, an ultrasound examination can provide the doctor with important additional information about the cause of the disease. For example, gallstones, gall bladder and pancreatitis can be seen on the ultrasound image. In rare cases, especially when intestinal obstruction, stone disease (especially kidney stones) or injury to internal organs are suspected, further imaging such as X-rays, CT (computed tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) are essential for the correct therapy and further procedure.
An oesophagus, stomach and duodenum imaging is used in cases of permanent heartburn and in cases of suspected serious gastritis or tumor diseases in this area. It is usually performed under a light sleep anesthesia, so that the patient does not notice the examination. If a heart attack is suspected, blood values are examined and an ECG is written.
Therapy
The therapy depends on the triggering cause. They are only briefly described here. In the case of a gastrointestinal infection, you must wait until the body has fought it off itself.
In addition, a sufficient supply of fluids and minerals must be ensured. Suitable preparations for this purpose are available in pharmacies.In the case of heartburn and/or inflammation of the mucous membranes of the stomach, preparations are used which inhibit the production of gastric acid and thus allow the mucous membrane to recover and heal. During this time, you should avoid excessive amounts of coffee, smoking, alcohol, as well as sour and very fatty foods to support the healing process.
If the pain is caused by gallstones or kidney stones, an attempt is first made to remove the stone from the blocked passage with the help of antispasmodic medication. If this does not succeed and the pain persists, the stone is removed in a small operation, usually under the view of a camera probe. In the event of a heart attack, the occluded vessel is searched for during a cardiac catheterization under x-ray fluoroscopy, opened and in many cases splinted with a wire mesh (stent) so that it does not close again directly.
If more than 3 vessels or a main vessel of the arteries supplying the heart are affected, a bypass operation will be considered in consultation with the affected person(s). A rupture of the aorta requires rapid treatment. Here, too, an attempt is made to splint the vessel with a plastic wire mesh, similar to the procedure for a heart attack.
