How to Diagnosis Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a common health problem. It can result from a variety of conditions, such as appendicitis, kidney disease, a gallbladder infection, urinary tract infections, yeast infections, bladder infections, pancreatitis and even irritable bowel syndrome. You can self-diagnose if you know the signs and symptoms to look for.

Things You'll Need

• Pen and paper

Instructions

How to Diagnose Abdominal Pain

1. Knowing how to describe and locate the pain is the first step in diagnosing the problem. Lie on your back and push firmly on your stomach where you think you feel pain. Use the tips of your fingers to do this. Breathe normally while pushing with one hand in areas where you feel tenderness or anything out of the ordinary, such as a lump or hardened area. If you feel an abnormality, make sure to let your doctor know.

2. If you are experiencing discomfort when urinating, or tenderness in your bladder area, this could be either a bladder infection, a urinary tract infection (UTI) or possibly a sexually transmitted disease (STD). You should consult your doctor right away if you are feeling pain or burning while urinating. Pain and tenderness around your naval could mean that you have appendicitis. Pain in the upper abdomen, usually occurring after eating, could mean that you have an ulcer. These conditions are serious and must be treated by a physician to prevent further health problems.

3. Record how often you are experiencing symptoms, the duration and the exact locations of these abdominal discomforts. If you experience sharp pains, bleeding, or numbness, you should see a doctor immediately. Explain to your physician everything that you have been experiencing, and be sure to show him the locations of the pain. Let him know how long you have had the problems, and how often they occur.

4. It would also be a good idea to bring any medications that you are taking when you see your physician. Sometimes, certain medications could cause cramping, and could be a side-effect of some of your pain. Don't assume that it is just your medication, or an allergy to a food. Always get checked out by a physician if these symptoms persist, or to just make sure everything is OK.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek professional help if you are experiencing ongoing abdominal pain. Don't try to self-medicate if symptoms continue to persist. Don't stop taking any medication without your doctor's permission. Use a pen and paper to record any symptoms and how often they occur.

• Never take prescription drugs that are not prescribed to you. If you are allergic to any medication, please advise your doctor of it. Call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room, if you are experiencing severe pain.