Pain less than a few days that has worsened progressively until time of presentation is ‘acute’
Characterized by severe pain, often rapid onset, that prevents bodily movement; surgical intervention may be necessary
Goal: early, efficient and accurate diagnosis; History and physical is key!
See also corresponding chapters on each condition:
Condition
Onset
Location
Character
Descriptor
Radiation
Intensity
Appendicitis
Gradual
Periumbilical » RLQ
Diffuse » localized
Ache
RLQ
++
Cholecystitis
Rapid
RUQ
Localized
Constricting
Scapula
++
Pancreatitis
Rapid
Epigastric/Back
Localized
Boring
Midback
++ to +++
Diverticulitis
Gradual
LLQ
Localized
Ache
None
+ to ++
Perfed PUD
Sudden
Epigastric
Localized » diffuse
Burning
None
+++
SB Obstruction
Gradual
Periumbilical
Diffuse
Crampy
None
++
Mes Ischemia
Sudden
Periumbilical
Diffuse
Agonizing
None
+++
Ruptured AA
Sudden
Abdominal/Back
Diffuse
Tearing
Back/Flank
+++
Gastroenteritis
Gradual
Periumbilical
Diffuse
Spasmodic
None
+ to ++
Gradual
LLQ/RLQ, Pelvic
Localized
Ache
Upper thigh
++
Ruptured Ectopic
Sudden
LLQ/RLQ, Pelvic
Localized
Light-headed
None
++
Reprinted with permission from Glasgow RE, Mulvihill SJ. Abdominal pain, including the acute abdomen. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, Eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease: Pathophysiology/Diagnosis/Management 7th ed. Saunders. 2002:74.
Extra-abdominal causes of acute abdominal pain:Related posts:
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