Abdominal pain is an important warning symptom that may indicate an acute condition of the abdominal organs, some of which can require urgent surgical intervention. For this reason, abdominal pain should always be taken seriously and is a valid reason to seek immediate medical attention.
Early diagnosis of an acute abdomen and identification of its cause significantly reduce the risk of complications and mortality.
One of the most common causes of acute abdominal pain is acute appendicitis. In cases of acute surgical pathology of the abdominal organs, pain usually appears first and is often followed by vomiting.
It is a common misconception that sharp pain in the upper abdomen cannot be appendicitis. In reality, in acute appendicitis, pain often begins in the upper abdominal area, then spreads across the abdomen and typically localizes to the lower right quadrant within several hours (approximately 4–6 hours).
It should also be noted that diagnostic errors are more common in children and older adults, as the clinical presentation of appendicitis can be atypical in these age groups.
Warning signs that may indicate an acute abdominal condition include:
Severe abdominal pain lasting more than one hour
Sharp abdominal pain accompanied by dizziness
Repeated vomiting without an obvious cause
Increasing abdominal bloating
Abdominal pain that worsens over time
Marked weakness
Pale skin, cold sweating, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat or palpitations
Fever
Tension or rigidity of the abdominal wall muscles
Decreased urination
If these symptoms occur, it is essential to seek emergency medical care immediately or contact emergency services without delay.
