Abdominal pain: when to see a doctor?

Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints that almost all of us experience. Although it's often just a harmless upset stomach, the nature and location of the pain can be an important signal from our body.

From Endomedix Gastroenterology Centre experts can help you navigate the symptoms so you know when rest is enough and when specialist intervention is needed.

Location and possible causes of pain

Pain in different areas of the abdomen may indicate a different organ problem:

Right upper abdomen: Gallbladder (e.g. gallstones) or liver involvement.
Stomach (under the sternum): Reflux, stomach ulcers or pancreatitis.
Left felhas: Stomach or spleen problems.
Around the eyebrows: Small bowel obstruction or the early stages of appendicitis.
Right alhas: Typically the appendicitis but it can also be a gynaecological complaint.
Bal alhas: Large intestine problems, such as diverticulitis.
Diffuse (covering the whole abdomen): Inflammation of the intestine, gas or, in more severe cases, peritonitis.

Warning signs: when to seek medical advice immediately?

There are so-called „red flag” symptoms, for which waiting is prohibited. Get medical help or call an ambulance immediately if you experience any of the following:

Sudden, unbearable, „knife-like” pain.

Strong, hard as a board, very sensitive to the touch.

Vomiting blood or black, pitchy stools.

High fever and chills.

Complete cessation of stools and wind accompanied by vomiting.

Jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin).

Sudden, significant weight loss.

How is the investigation carried out?

At Endomedix, we use a wide range of modern procedures to make an accurate diagnosis:

Laboratory tests: Blood count to detect inflammation, liver and pancreas function tests.
Abdominal ultrasound: Fast, painless imaging of the condition of organs.
Endoscopic examinations: A gastroscopy or colonoscopy, which allows direct examination of the mucosa and sampling.
Imaging (CT/MRI): For detailed mapping of the abdominal organs in more complex cases.

What can you do at home if you have mild complaints?

If the pain is not severe and there are no ominous symptoms, the following may help:

A low-impact diet: Eating fried, boiled potatoes, rice; avoiding fatty, spicy foods.
Hydration: Non-carbonated water, chamomile or mint tea.
Rest: Avoiding physical exertion.
Cautious use of medicines: Görcsoldók alkalmazhatók, de a nem-szteroid gyulladáscsökkentők (pl. ibuprofen) irritálhatják a gyomrot, ezért használatukkal legyen körültekintő.