Diagnosing Acute Abdomen

Your doctor will ask you for details about your pain, such as the exact location and duration, and about any additional symptoms you may be experiencing, such as bowel or urinary symptoms. He or she will also take your medical history, including any drugs or medications you’ve taken, and perform a physical exam, including rectal and pelvic examinations.

Additionally, one or more of the following tests may be necessary to make a diagnosis:

• Blood tests
• Urine analysis
• Liver function tests
• Ultrasound -a test that uses sound waves to examine the abdomen
• CT scan -a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the abdomen
• MRI scan -a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the abdomen
• KUB (kidney, ureter, and bladder) x-rays
• Barium x-rays
• Angiography
• Surgery
• Endoscopy-a thin, lighted tube inserted down the throat to examine the abdominal area