What is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons patients see a doctor. It can be brief and harmless, but sometimes it signals serious conditions that need urgent medical help. The pain may be in one place or spread across the whole abdomen, and its character (sharp, stabbing, cramping) helps to identify the possible cause.
Possible causes of abdominal pain
- Appendicitis – acute inflammation of the appendix that requires surgical treatment.
- Gallbladder diseases – gallstones, cholecystitis.
- Stomach and duodenal ulcer – can lead to perforation.
- Bowel obstruction – mechanical or functional.
- Gynaecological problems – ovarian cysts, ectopic pregnancy.
- Urinary tract infections – pyelonephritis, kidney stones.
When should you see a doctor?
Abdominal pain can be harmless, for example after overeating, but there are situations when it signals a serious health problem. Seeing a surgeon or gastroenterologist in good time can save lives, because many acute abdominal conditions need urgent treatment.
Situations that need emergency help
- Severe and sudden pain
If the pain appears suddenly and is very intense, it may indicate appendicitis, a perforated ulcer, bowel obstruction or even bleeding in the abdomen. In such cases, immediately see a surgeon. - Fever, vomiting, bleeding
A combination of high temperature and vomiting points to an infection or inflammation, such as inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) or acute appendicitis. Blood in vomit or stools is a serious symptom that needs immediate diagnosis. - Bloating and inability to pass gas or stools
These symptoms often point to a bowel obstruction, which can be life-threatening. Rapid diagnosis with CT or abdominal ultrasound is essential to find the cause and start treatment.
Which specialist should you see?
- Surgeon – when an operation is needed (a growth in the bowel, appendicitis, stomach ulcer, hernia)
- Gastroenterologist – for chronic pain, when a stomach, bowel or liver disease is suspected.
- Gynaecologist – if a gynaecological ultrasound shows endometriosis, an ovarian cyst or an ectopic pregnancy.
- Urologist – severe and unbearable pain in the back and sides may indicate kidney stones.
Why you shouldn’t wait
Many acute abdominal diseases develop very quickly. For example:
- Appendicitis can cause inflammation of the abdominal lining (peritonitis) within a few hours.
- Gallstone blockage can cause liver damage and sepsis.
- Bowel obstruction can cause tissue necrosis and bleeding.
Timely diagnosis with ultrasound and laboratory tests is the first step to prevent complications.
Diagnosis of abdominal pain
Finding the exact cause of abdominal pain is essential for choosing the right treatment. Diagnosis usually involves several stages – from a clinical examination to instrumental methods.
Clinical examination
The first step is a doctor’s visit. The doctor assesses:
- Location of the pain – whether it is under the right ribs, on the left side, around the navel or across the whole abdomen.
- Character of the pain – sharp, stabbing, cramping, constant or episodic.
- Accompanying symptoms – fever, nausea, vomiting, bloating, changes in stools.
The clinical examination also includes palpation (feeling the abdomen) to detect tenderness, muscle tension or lumps.
Laboratory tests
Laboratory tests help confirm inflammation, infection or metabolic disorders:
- Full blood count – a raised white blood cell count indicates inflammation, low haemoglobin – anaemia.
- Biochemistry – liver enzymes (ALT, AST), kidney function markers (creatinine, urea), electrolytes.
- Urine test – signs of infection, diagnosis of kidney stones.
Additional tests may include CRP (an inflammation marker), amylase (pancreatic function) and blood glucose.
Instrumental diagnosis
- Ultrasound – the first choice for examining the abdomen. It is safe, painless and can detect gallstones, inflammation, fluid build-up and tumours.
- Endoscopy – for diagnosing stomach and bowel diseases (e.g. ulcers, polyps).
- CT or MRI – in complex cases when detailed imaging of the anatomy is needed.
- X-ray – in cases of bowel obstruction or perforation.
Treatment options for abdominal pain
- Medication – anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, antispasmodics.
- Surgical treatment – for appendicitis, a perforated ulcer or a hernia.
- Diet changes – easily digestible food, avoiding fatty meals.
- Prevention – regular check-ups with a gastroenterologist and nutritionist, a healthy lifestyle.
Frequently asked questions
It is the first choice, but complex cases need further tests.
For acute abdominal pain – a surgeon; for chronic or long-lasting pain – a gastroenterologist.
Yes, functional gastrointestinal disorders (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome) are often linked to stress.
Questions about your health?
Specialist doctors see patients at Republikas laukuma klīnika in central Riga. Our reception will help you choose the right specialist and time.
