Acute Abdomen: Symptoms and When Urgent Help Is Needed

Sudden severe abdominal pain may be a sign of a serious condition that requires urgent medical care. Acute abdomen is a symptom complex in which damage to the abdominal organs occurs with irritation of the peritoneum. Acute abdomen is an indication for immediate hospitalization in a surgical hospital.

What Is Acute Abdomen

Acute abdomen is characterized by sharp severe abdominal pain and pathological tension of the abdominal wall. This condition occurs with damage to the organs of the abdominal cavity or pelvis: appendicitis, perforated gastric ulcer, abdominal trauma with intestinal rupture, ectopic pregnancy, and other diseases. A particular manifestation of acute abdomen is peritonitis — inflammation of the peritoneum.

Symptoms of Acute Abdomen

The main signs: sudden sharp abdominal pain, tension of the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. In a localized process, the area over the focus of damage is tense; in a widespread process, the entire abdominal wall is tense. In children, even with a limited process, extensive muscle tension is often observed. Vomiting blood and the inability to empty the bowel, especially with vomiting, are considered warning signs. If the pain arose suddenly and is very severe, this is an alarm signal.

Sharp Pain in the Lower Abdomen: Which Diseases Are Possible

Pain in the lower abdomen may be caused by various reasons. In women — painful menstruation, endometriosis (intense pain during menstruation, during sexual intercourse, and during defecation). Appendicitis often manifests as pain in the right lower abdomen. Kidney stones cause severe pain radiating to the groin, nausea, and pain during urination. Gallstones cause severe pain in the center of the abdomen or under the ribs on the right, which lasts up to 8 hours. Irritable bowel syndrome is accompanied by cramps, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.

Why Sharp Abdominal Pain Is Dangerous

Acute abdomen may indicate life-threatening conditions: peritonitis, ulcer perforation, intestinal rupture, ectopic pregnancy. With such a clinical picture, surgery is vitally necessary in the vast majority of cases. The decision on surgery is made by the surgeon after examination. Do not try to diagnose the cause of the pain yourself.

How Doctors Determine the Cause of Sharp Abdominal Pain

For diagnosis, ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs and computed tomography of the abdominal cavity and pelvis are prescribed. In some cases, endoscopy is required. The surgeon assesses the need for surgical intervention.

When to Call an Ambulance

With acute abdomen, urgent help is needed immediately. Sharp pain with abdominal tension is a reason for urgent evaluation by a doctor. If you are unsure about the seriousness of the symptoms, call 103 or 112.

Call an ambulance immediately (103 or 112) if abdominal pain began suddenly and is very severe, the abdomen has become hard and tense, vomiting of blood or with a green admixture has appeared, blood in the stool or black tarry stool, you cannot urinate, gas and stool are not passing, a rash has appeared that does not disappear when pressed, or breathing is difficult.

• Sudden sharp abdominal pain
• Tension of the abdominal muscles
• Vomiting of blood or green color
• Retention of stool and gas
• Blood in vomit or stool

This material is for reference purposes and does not replace consultation with a doctor.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer