ILLUSTRATED MEDICAL DICTIONARY / قاموس طبي مصور

ILLUSTRATED MEDICAL DICTIONARY, Essential A–Z quick reference to over 5,500 medical terms

abdomen The region of the body between the chest and the pelvis. The abdominal cavity is bounded by the ribs and diaphragm above, and by the pelvis below, with the spine and abdominal muscles forming the back, side, and front walls.

It contains the liver, stomach, intestines, spleen, pancreas, and kidneys. In the lower abdomen, enclosed by the pelvis, are the bladder, rectum, and, in women, the uterus and ovaries.

abdomen, acute Persistent, severe abdominal pain of sudden onset, usually associated with spasm of the abdominal muscles, vomiting, and fever.

The most common cause of an acute abdomen is peritonitis. Other causes include appendicitis, abdominal injury, perforation of an internal organ due to disorders such as peptic ulcer or diverticular disease.

Acute abdominal pain commonly begins as a vague pain in the centre but then becomes localized.

An acute abdomen requires urgent medical investigation that may involve a laparoscopy or a laparotomy. Treatment depends on the underlying cause.

abdominal pain Discomfort in the abdomen. Mild abdominal pain is common and is often due to excessive alcohol intake, eating unwisely, or an attack of diarrhoea.

Pain in the lower abdomen is common during menstruation but is occasionally due to a gynaecological disorder such as endometriosis. Cystitis is a common cause of pain or discomfort in the abdomen.

Bladder distension as a result of urinary obstruction may also cause abdominal pain.

Abdominal colic is pain that occurs every few minutes as one of the internal organs goes into muscular spasm in an attempt to overcome an obstruction such as a stone or an area of inflammation.

The attacks of colic may become more severe and may be associated with vomiting (see abdomen, acute).

Peptic ulcer often produces recurrent gnawing pain. Other possible causes of abdominal pain are infection, such as pyelonephritis, and ischaemia (lack of blood supply), as occurs when a volvulus (twisting of the intestine) obstructs blood vessels.

Tumours affecting an abdominal organ can cause pain. Abdominal pain can also result from anxiety.

For mild pain, a wrapped hot-water bottle is often effective. Pain due to peptic ulcer can be temporarily relieved by food or by taking antacid drugs.

Abdominal pain that is not relieved by vomiting persists for more than 6 hours, or is associated with sweating or fainting requires urgent medical attention.

Urgent attention is also necessary if pain is accompanied by persistent vomiting, vomiting of blood, or passing of bloodstained or black faeces. Unexplained weight loss or changes in bowel habits should always be investigated.

Investigation of abdominal pain may include the use of imaging tests such as ultrasound scanning, and endoscopic examination in the form of gastroscopy.