Abdomen

Your abdomen is a complicated apparatus, and no, there are no rusting cogs or greasy chains here but your stomach, intestines, kidneys, liver, esophagus, and many other things that you can’t even pronounce without twisting your tongue. Your abdomen contains many organs that make up for complex machinery. These organs perform many primary functions and also become prone to many problems.

Abdominal Pain

It seems as if everybody in the world has this issue. And truth be told, at some point in time we all have suffered from abdominal pain, and many of us continue to experience it. Be it a mild stomach ache, sharp shooting pain, or severe stomach cramps, your abdominal pain may be caused by, but not limited to:

  • Indigestion

  • Stomach virus

  • Constipation

  • Food allergies

  • Menstrual cramps

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

  • Gas

  • Lactose intolerance

  • Food poisoning

  • Ulcers

  • Gallstones

  • Pelvic inflammatory disease

  • Hernia

  • Crohn’s disease

  • Kidney stones

  • Endometriosis

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  • Urinary tract infection

  • Appendicitis

Symptoms That Should Concern You

Contact your doctor or go to the Emergency Department if the pain is severe, recurrent, or accompanied by any of the following:

  • Injury to abdomen (probable cause for pain)

  • Pain that lasts for more than a few hours

  • Blood in vomit

  • Bloody or black tarry stools

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Hernia

  • Vomiting

  • Fever

  • Signs of dehydration

  • Inability to pass gas or stool

  • Painful or frequent urination

  • Tenderness in abdomen

Hernias

Common types of hernias:

  • Inguinal hernia

  • Hiatal hernia (commonly causes gastroesophageal reflux)

  • Umbilical hernia (can occur in babies, children, and adults)

  • Incisional Hernia.

Hernias are often caused by numerous factors including straining and fascial weakness. Some hernias in infants and young children will repair themselves; however, hernias in adults do not heal on their own and may be considered for surgical repair. Please talk to your doctor or make an appointment with us if you are concerned that you have a hernia.

Abdominal Swelling

Sounds familiar? It is essential to understand that your abdomen could be swollen for numerous reasons:

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome;

  • Lactose Intolerance

  • Ascites (when fluid builds up inside your abdomen)

  • Gallstones

  • Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the Pancreas)

  • Weight Gain

  • Blockage in your Intestine

What Is an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm?

An abdominal aortic aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement of the main artery from your heart to your legs. According to experts the exact cause of this problem is still unknown, but the following factors may be at play if you suffer from it:

  • Infection in the aorta

  • Trauma

  • Heredity

  • Blood vessel diseases of the aorta

  • Tobacco use

  • Hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis)

  • High blood pressure

Your doctor may recommend a surgery if an aneurysm is too large or if it can be seen enlarging too quickly. If you have an abdominal aortic aneurysm and you experience symptoms such as abdominal cramps, swelling, or pain this could be a life-threatening emergency.

High Plains Surgical Associates is a medical clinic that is known to deliver exceptional abdominal care in Northeastern Wyoming since 1994. General Surgeon Dr. Sara Hartsaw will continue to provide outstanding care for you and your family.