For What Kinds Of Abdominal Pain Should I Seek Medical Attention?

— -- Question: For What Kinds Of Abdominal Pain Should I Seek Medical Attention?

Answer: The first type of abdominal pain we have to rule out is acute infection. If you have an infection and a fever, and it seems septic, which means a systemic infection, this needs to be treated right away. It can cause a peritonitis or a rigid surgical abdomen. A ruptured appendix with severe pain would be something that needs to be evaluated in the emergency room or immediately by your family doctor or surgeon. We call this a surgical abdomen in which the abdomen is so tender just pressing it causes extreme pain. That pain needs to be evaluated.

Another type of abdominal pain that needs evaluation would be chronic, gnawing pain associated with unplanned weight loss. If you lose a great deal of weight without trying to lose weight or for no reason, this could signify a cancer that needs to be evaluated.

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