Diagnosis of Abdominal Pain

The diagnosis of abdominal pain is based on the comprehensive review of the following.

• Signs and symptoms noted

• History of the condition

• Physical examination

• Laboratory investigations

Based on the signs and symptoms noted the doctors perform a physical examination to try and locate the source of the pain. Following this, additional tests may be advised to identify or rule out the presence of some of the common causes of abdominal pain.

Laboratory tests such as blood test, urine test, and stool tests are advised accordingly.

Imaging studies such as endoscopy of upper gastrointestinal tract, ultrasonography of the abdomen, or X-rays of the abdomen are carried out for the diagnosis when considered necessary.

Invasive tests such as laparoscopy may be used for diagnosing, and treating abdominal pain in some rare instances. ¹

Next page: Treatment of abdominal pain

Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: June 15, 2011