Pendik Medipol University Hospital Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Nihat Okçu emphasized that the importance of severe pain that suddenly occurs in the upper abdomen should not be ignored. He stated that such pain may be related to disorders of the organs in the rib cage such as the heart and lungs. Prof. Okçu said, “Pain caused by organs such as the stomach, liver and gall bladder located in the upper abdomen is usually related to these organs. However, pain due to a heart attack may also be felt in this area. Heart infarction, which occurs especially on the lower surface of the heart facing the diaphragm, can cause intense and severe pain in the upper abdomen. Therefore, it is extremely important to go to the emergency room when experiencing sudden and intense pain lasting longer than 15 minutes.”
Situations Requiring Emergency Intervention
Prof. Okçu stated that the severity of the pain, its onset and duration provide important clues in determining the cause of abdominal pain, and said, “Mild pain that gradually becomes more severe is often associated with conditions such as gallbladder disease, kidney disease and pancreatitis. Sudden onset and severe pain may indicate conditions requiring urgent intervention such as ulcer perforation, esophageal rupture and heart attack.”
Pain Should Not Be Underestimated
Emphasizing that correctly identifying the underlying causes of abdominal pain and applying appropriate treatment methods play a critical role in improving the quality of life of patients, Prof. Okçu said, “In particular, sudden and severe abdominal pain should be taken seriously. In such cases, it is vital to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Abdominal pain should not be taken lightly. “It is of great importance for patients to be more conscious and cautious in this regard.”
The underlying cause must be determined
Prof. Okçu stated that the severity, location, spread, duration and relationship with other symptoms of abdominal pain should be taken into consideration. He also explained that the source of abdominal pain can be determined by using examination and auxiliary diagnostic methods. “Most abdominal pain is mild and moderate and temporary. However, in some cases, there may be a serious underlying disease and this can be life-threatening,” he said.
All the Situations That Can Cause Abdominal Pain
Okçu stated that in cases of pain in the middle and lower abdomen, diseases of the small and large intestines, excretory and sexual organ disorders should be considered, and said, “In some diseases, pain can be felt in all parts of the abdomen. “In these cases, pancreatic diseases, diabetic coma, intestinal diseases with diarrhea, intestinal obstruction, blockage in blood vessels (embolism-infarction) and peritonitis diseases should be evaluated.”
Finally, he noted that some abdominal pain can be managed with diet and medication, while some cases require surgical intervention.
