Diagnostics | Burning pain in the abdomen

Diagnostics

The medical consultation is very important in the diagnosis of abdominal burning. The patient describes to the doctor his exact symptoms, the course of the pain and gives indications of possible triggers. Often the most probable cause can already be found out from this anamnesis alone.

This is followed by a physical examination of the patient, during which the doctor will listen to the patient’s abdomen, tap and palpate it and look for, for example, organ enlargement, pain under pressure or other abnormalities. In addition, if a urinary tract infection is suspected, a urine sample is examined for signs of inflammation and bacterial metabolic products. If the cause is suspected to be in the musculoskeletal system, the doctor will examine the joints and muscles in the patient’s pelvic area. If these measures do not provide a more precise diagnosis, an ultrasound examination of the abdomen, a gynaecological or urological examination may follow. The cause of the complaints can then usually be found.

Therapy

The therapy of burning pain in the abdomen depends on the underlying cause of the complaints. Muscular tension or tendon irritation usually does not require any further therapy, as it recovers by itself. If necessary, painkillers can be prescribed as a stopgap, and physiotherapy can be prescribed if the findings are pronounced.

A urinary tract infection is either treated with herbal remedies, bladder tea and sufficient drinking water or (for example, in the case of blood in the urine or severe and recurring infections) with antibiotics. Suitable preparations are for example fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin and ciprofloxacin. In the case of a vaginal infection, for example caused by fungi or bacteria, this is also treated with suitable drugs (antimycotics or antibiotics). In the case of appendicitis, the therapy usually focuses on the surgical removal of the appendix. Depending on the cause, the attending physician will suggest the appropriate therapy for the respective patient.

Forecast

The prognosis for burning in the abdomen is good overall, as there are usually harmless causes behind the complaints. In cases of bacterial inflammation of the urinary tract or genital organs, antibiotic therapy for about five days is usually indicated. This usually leads to a rapid improvement and healing without consequences. Muscular causes are also easily controlled by sufficient exercise and temporary pain therapy, massages or heat application.

Prophylaxis

The prophylaxis for burning in the lower abdomen varies. It is not always possible to avoid the causal clinical pictures by prophylaxis. Muscular tension can be prevented by sufficient and correctly performed sports activity.

Urinary tract infections, which occur more frequently especially in women due to the shorter urethra, cannot always be prevented. Women who are susceptible to urinary tract infections should ensure good but not excessive intimate hygiene and urinate after intercourse to flush any bacteria that may have entered the bladder. You should also not sit on cold surfaces.

To avoid sexually transmitted infections, a condom should be used during intercourse. Regular examinations by a gynaecologist ensure that infections can be detected and treated early on. Otherwise, no generally applicable prophylaxis can be recommended to avoid burning in the abdomen.