Acute Abdomen: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Acute abdomen is a term used to describe abdominal pain that occurs suddenly and often severely.

• Appendicitis: This is one of the most common causes of acute abdomen and is caused by inflammation of the appendix. .
• Acute Pancreatitis: This condition occurs when the pancreas becomes inflamed or swollen due to an infection or injury to the organ.
• Intestinal Obstruction: This condition occurs when a blockage in the intestines prevents food from passing through properly resulting in severe cramping and bloating in addition to nausea and vomiting.
• Diverticulitis: This is an infection or inflammation of small pouches located along your digestive tract called diverticula which can cause severe abdominal pain on either side depending on where they are located along your digestive tract as well as nausea ,vomiting ,and fever . .
• Mesenteric Ischemia: This condition occurs when there is reduced blood flow to part of your intestines resulting in intestinal tissue death .

• Acute abdomen can be caused by a wide range of conditions, such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis, bowel obstruction and perforation.
• Other causes include hernia rupture, diarrhoea or constipation related to intestinal obstruction or inflammation, ischemic bowel disease due to reduced blood flow to the intestine, infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis) and mesenteric ischemia due to reduced blood flow to the large intestine.
• In some cases it can be caused by an ectopic pregnancy or severe trauma.
• It can also be caused by underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or liver cirrhosis which can cause fluid accumulation in the abdomen leading to pain and discomfort.

• Abdominal pain, tenderness, or discomfort
• vomiting and nauseous, Bloating, decrease in appetite, abdominal squeezing
• Rapid heartbeat, fever
• Difficulty passing stool or gas

• The following ways which can help to prevent Acute abdomen:
• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
• Steer clear of smoking and excessive alcohol use.
• Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight.

There are a variety of diagnostic tests that may be used to identify the cause of acute abdomen. Some common tests include:

• Physical examination: The doctor will conduct a physical examination to look for indications of stomach pain, tenderness, and distention.
• Blood tests: Blood tests such as a complete blood count (CBC) and a test to measure the levels of inflammatory markers (such as C-reactive protein) may be performed to help identify an infection or inflammation.
• Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as an X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI may be used to visualise the internal organs and identify any abnormalities or issues such as obstruction, abscess, or rupture.
• Laparoscopy: A small camera is inserted into one or more small incisions made in the belly during a laparoscopy operation to view the abdominal organs. If other tests fail to reveal the reason for the acute abdomen, it could be used.
• Other test: A stool test can help to diagnose certain causes of abdominal pain such as diverticulitis or inflammatory bowel disease.

• Peritonitis: Inflammation of the inner lining of the abdomen due to bacterial or viral infection.
• Sepsis: response of the body's immune system to an infection that causes organ failure and septic shock.
• Intestinal Obstruction: Blockage in intestines due to adhesion, tumour or hernia leading to severe abdominal pain.
• Pancreatitis: gallstones or alcoholism-related pancreatic inflammation, which results in agonising pain and fever.
• Spontaneous Rupture of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA): Can cause severe internal bleeding and shock if untreated immediately.

• Drinking warm water infused with fennel seeds, which can help to soothe the gastrointestinal tract and relieve pain.
• Taking a hot water bottle or heating pad and placing it on the abdomen to help ease pain.
• Consuming ginger in any form, as it can reduce inflammation and promote digestion.
• Drinking tea made from coriander seeds, which can help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Avoiding foods that are heavy, greasy, spicy, or difficult to digest can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the abdomen.
• Taking Triphala powder with lukewarm water before sleep can also help to provide relief from abdominal pain.

• Diet for an acute abdomen should include foods that are easy to digest, low in fat and high in protein, such as clear soups, skinless chicken or fish, plain cooked grains and steamed vegetables.
• Drink plenty of liquids to keep your body hydrated and promote digestion, such as water and herbal tea.

• Avoid all high-fat foods, such as fried and greasy foods, full-fat dairy products, and red meat.
• Avoid all spicy foods, including pepper, hot sauces, and mustard.
• Avoid high-fibre foods like raw fruits and vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol consumption.
• Avoid processed foods such as white breads, pastries, chips or candy bars.

• Laparotomy: The most common surgical treatment for an acute abdomen is a laparotomy. This is a procedure in which the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen to explore the organs and identify any underlying cause.
• Surgical Repair: If any underlying cause is identified, surgery will be performed to correct it, such as repairing a hernia or removing infected or damaged tissue.
• Appendectomy: If the cause is appendicitis, an appendectomy will usually be performed to remove the appendix before it bursts and causes a serious infection known as peritonitis.
• Bowel Resection: If there is inflammation of part of the bowel (known as enteritis), part of it may need to be removed and reconnected (a procedure known as bowel resection).
• Intestinal Bypass Surgery: In some cases, intestinal bypass surgery may be necessary if there are blockages or other complications that cannot be resolved with other treatments.
• Abdominal Drainage: In some cases, abdominal drainage may need to be performed if there is fluid build-up in the abdomen that needs to be drained off before healing can take place.

The best doctor to consult for an acute abdomen will depend on the underlying cause, but it is typically a surgeon or an emergency medicine physician.

This could include a gastroenterologist, urologist, gynaecologist, or other specialist depending on the particular condition causing the abdominal pain.

• Analgesics: Pain relief medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are often used to treat the pain associated with an acute abdomen.
• Antiemetics: Medications, such as ondansetron or promethazine, can reduce nausea and vomiting caused by an acute abdomen.
• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed if infection is suspected to be causing the abdominal pain.
• Intravenous Fluids: Dehydration due to nausea and vomiting may be treated with intravenous fluids to help restore electrolyte levels and hydration status in the body.

Generally, it can take from a few days to several weeks to recover from an acute abdomen.

• In some cases, treatment may provide a permanent solution such as in cases of appendicitis where the appendix is removed.
• Other causes, such as pancreatitis or a perforated ulcer may require long-term medical management to prevent recurrence and maintain symptom control.
• In some cases, such as with Crohn's disease, chronic abdominal pain may be managed with medications, diet and lifestyle changes.

• Monitor vital signs, including temperature, heart rate, bloody pressure, and respiration rate.
• Administer any prescribed medications to help reduce pain and inflammation as needed.
• Provide nutritional support with a balanced diet and dietary supplements if necessary.
• Ensure hygiene with frequent washing of the affected area(s) to prevent infection and promote healing.
• Encourage activity as tolerated to promote circulation and muscle strength in the affected area(s).
• Instruct the patient on proper wound care techniques such as changing dressings regularly and keeping the area clean and dry at all times to prevent infection from occurring or worsening symptoms from existing infections
• Monitor for signs of infection such as fever, redness, swelling, drainage, increased pain or tenderness in the area of involvement or any other sign or symptom that may indicate a worsening condition or possible complication arising from it
• Educate patients on lifestyle modifications that may help reduce abdominal discomfort such as avoiding certain foods that can aggravate symptoms like spicy food, alcohol or caffeine10 Follow up with healthcare providers regularly for further evaluation to assess treatment response and make any necessary adjustments to medications, nutrition plans or lifestyle modifications

The cost of treating an acute abdomen in India can vary depending on the severity of the condition which includes:

• Blood tests and imaging scans cost between Rs. 500 and Rs. 5,000.
• Medication: Rs. 500 to Rs. 10,000
• Surgery (if needed): Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 25,000
• Hospital stay: Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 10,000 per day

Pain relief medications may cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, or drowsiness. Surgery can lead to infection and bleeding as well as potential long-term complications such as adhesions and hernias. Antibiotics may cause allergic reactions, diarrhoea, or other side effects.

If you are suffering from any complications relating to acute abdomen then you should consult a doctor nearby as they can cause complications like 'Intestinal obstruction, Peritonitis,Appendicitis etc.'in which treatment course can range from a few months to years depending on the severity of the situation.