Abdominal Pain - Tutorial Flashcards
1
Q
Name some common causes of abdominal pain
A
Non-specific abdominal pain Appendicitis Intestinal obstruction Urinary tract disease Biliary tract disease etc.
2
Q
What details about abdominal pain do you want to elicit form the history?
A
Site Onset Character Radiation Associated symptoms/signs Timing Exacerbating/relieving factors
Is it somatic or visceral
3
Q
What are the two major types of pain?
A
Visceral
Somatic
4
Q
What is visceral pain?
A
Pain arising from the organs
5
Q
What is somatic pain?
A
Pain arising from the abdominal wall
6
Q
What kinds of things are visceral tissues insensitive to?
A
Mechanical, thermal or chemical irritation
7
Q
What kinds of things are visceral tissues sensitive to?
A
Tension Overdistension Spasm Ischaemia Traction
8
Q
What kinds of things are somatic tissues sensitive to?
A
Being handled, cut, cauterised
9
Q
What 3 things occur when the parietal peritoneum is irritated?
A
- Reflex contraction of corresponding abdominal wall muscle
- –> rigidity (guarding)
- Hyperaesthesia of overlying skin
