*** Know Your Abdominal Pain
Written by Dr. A Hester, The Official Guide to Medical Advice and Resources
- Which part of the abdomen hurts? (Doctors divide the abdomen into the following areas: upper mid-abdomen (epigastric), right upper quadrant (RUQ), right lower quadrant (RLQ), left upper quadrant (LUQ), left lower quadrant (LLQ), around the belly button (periumbilical), low mid-abdomen (pelvic), and above the pelvis (suprapubic)
- Does the pain radiate anywhere? (e.g., to the back or shoulder blade)
- Has there been any nausea or vomiting?
- What brings on the pain and what relieves it?
- How long does each episode of pain last?
- is there diarrhea? (Are the stools loose or watery? What color are they? How often do you need to go, etc?)
- Is there constipation (How many bowel movements have you had a week since this began, and how does this compare to your norm?)
- Is the pain sharp, dull, achy, or burning?
- Is the pain constant or does it come and go?
- How does food affect the pain, if at all?
- How is your appetite?
- Have you experienced recent fevers or chills?
- Has there been distention (bloating) of the abdomen?
- Is there excessive belching or gas?
- How long have the symptoms been going on?
- Have you had these symptoms before?
- Have you noticed any black, sticky stools or bright blood in the stools?
- Have you experienced any changes in your urinary habits or pain upon urination?
- Is the pain at its worst at onset or as time moves on?
- Do you take over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, on a regular basis?
- Have you had any abnormal vaginal discharge?
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