Understanding the Medical Term For Stomach Pain

Understanding the Medical Term For Stomach Pain

Abdominal pain is an all-too-common symptom that affects everyone at some point. While most abdominal discomfort is due to a minor issue that resolves on its own, some cases of abdominal discomfort may indicate more serious health concerns.

Abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, from benign (not life-threatening) to serious. It may be brief (acute), or persist over weeks, months or years (chronic).

Your doctor can diagnose the source and extent of your discomfort by looking at both location and intensity. They’ll also ask questions about any symptoms you are experiencing as well as any relevant medical history you may have.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam on various parts of your abdomen to detect tenderness or other warning signs that indicate what’s causing your discomfort. They may also do a rectal exam to check for small amounts of blood in your stool or any potential issues such as mass or internal hemorrhoids.

Your physician will also inquire about your sexual and menstrual history. If you’re a woman, they may also inquire about any ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids you may have.

Functional dyspepsia is a medical condition in which your stomach isn’t working properly, leading to symptoms like bloating and nausea.

Accurate diagnosis and treatment can be obtained faster with accurate terminology. Misinterpreting words between doctors and patients could result in misdiagnosis or unnecessary treatments, leading to unnecessary stress or suffering.