RED FLAGS - ABDOMINAL PAIN WHICH YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE

 When Stomach Pain Is An Emergency: Red Flags Everyone Should Know

Stomachache is a common reason for people to visit a doctor. Most times, it is harmless - gastritis or a simple case of food poisoning. But on occasions, it may be the symptom of a life-threatening condition. Following are Red Flags or warning signs for which you should consult a doctor at the earliest.

It is important to know that the abdomen contains the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, kidneys, bladder, and major blood vessels. If pain occurs suddenly or intermittently with the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor to see if this can affect your life.

RED FLAGS YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE

1. Sudden, Severe Pain:

Abrupt onset of severe pain is a major warning

A perforated ulcer or appendicitis can cause this.

2. Pain with Vomiting:

Vomiting of bile, blood ( red or coffee colored) is dangerous

Persistent vomiting with or without pain can occur in intestinal obstruction or strangulation.

3. Pain with Fever:

High fever with abdominal pain indicates appendicitis, diverticulitis or a stone with infection

Fever suggests infection or inflammation

4. Pain with Inability to Pass Gas or Stool:

A swollen belly with the inability to pass stools or gas can indicate intestinal obstruction.

This can result in rupture of the intestine or death of the intestine if not attended to, on time.

5. Pain with Fainting, Sweating or Low Blood Pressure:

These symptoms indicate shock, most likely due to internal bleeding

Immediate emergency care is needed to save the patient.

6. Pain with Jaundice  ( Yellow Eyes, Yellow Skin):

These indicated blocked bile ducts or major liver disease

The condition needs urgent medical evaluation.

7. Pain in Pregnancy:

Any pain occurring in pregnancy indicates an emergency.

It may be due to ectopic pregnancy or abruptio placentae

8. Persistent Pain which Gets Worse with Time:

Pain that is persistent and gets worse is always a concern.

Appendicitis can start mildly and can get worse with spreading peritonitis.

WHAT TO DO IN THE ABOVE SITUATIONS?

Do not self-medicate.

Do not buy over-the-counter medicine in shops

Consult a doctor immediately.

Call for an ambulance to take you to the nearby hospital emergency department.

‘A VISIT TO YOUR DOCTOR IN TIME WILL SAVE YOUR LIFE!'