What’s Causing Your Abdominal Pain? Common and uncommon causes you should know about

Why Is There Pain In Your Abdomen?

There are several underlying causes of abdominal pain. Some are serious while others are less so. Five of the most common causes are listed below:

• Indigestion: This may present with pain on the abdomen, feeling of being bloated, and general discomfort in the stomach which may be accompanied by constipation or diarrhea.

• Menstrual Cramps: This is one of the most common abdominal complaints in women around their monthly period which may present with pain ranging from mild to severe.

• Urinary Tract Infection: Here, abdominal pain diagnosis is typically reached when blood in the urine, pain when urinating, and, sometimes, the presentation of fever which indicates infection, accompany pain on the lower abdomen which may extend to the upper abdomen.

• Appendicitis: This condition usually presents as pain on the abdomen that becomes more frequent over time. Still, the condition usually goes undiagnosed until it bursts and requires emergency abdominal pain surgery.

• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): More commonly known as heartburn or acid reflux, this condition presents as pain on the chest caused mainly by the release of stomach acids.

Abdominal Pain: When Does It Become A Concern?

Pain on the abdomen usually has common causes but it should not be taken for granted, most especially when pain is chronic and debilitating. Although abdominal pain and back pain are more commonly diagnosed using CT scan than an MRI scan, there are several advantages why a doctor may request the latter over the other:

• By using the mechanisms of magnetism and radio waves combined, an abdominal MRI will be able to help diagnose diseases by non-invasively showing abnormalities in and around the abdomen, such as follows:
• Any damage or abnormal structures involving the renal system, kidneys, and liver
• Kidney stones
• Organ enlargement
• Increased dilation of the abdominal aorta
• Abscess
• Blockages that disrupt the normal flow of blood and other bodily fluids
• Narrowing of arteries
• Liver cirrhosis
• Abnormal growths
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Swelling of organs, tissues, and veins in the abdomen

• A normal CT scan provides insufficient information to rule out cancer.

• An MRI scan can be particularly helpful when certain types of cancer involving internal organs on the abdomen are being ruled out. In fact, Cancer Research UK notes that MRI is a better diagnostic procedure than CT scan when screening for cervix and bladder cancers.

• When blood flow is being measured, an MRI scan of the abdomen can help and show the health of blood vessels in the area at the same time.

• An MRI scan can also show how well abdominal pain treatment is working, how well abdominal surgery is healing, and to examine if leftover tissue is cancer-free following cancerous tumor removal.

• MRI scans, unlike CT scans, prevent patient exposure to ionizing radiation. CT scans and x-rays emit this type of radiation. It has been associated with side effects such as nausea, vomiting, tissue burns, decreased immunity, and damage to living tissue, among others.

• MRI scans can better aid abdominal pain differential diagnosis when signs and symptoms presented are closely associated with two or more diseases.

There are, however, also several instances when a physician may order a CT scan over an MRI scan, including the following:

• When timing is of the essence, CT scans produce images more rapidly

• When a patient is uncomfortable undergoing an MRI scan, most notably when the patient is claustrophobic

• When the patient has metal implants, including metallic joints

Although patients who have pacemakers and defibrillators installed were previously not allowed to undergo MRI scans, specific adjustments can now be made to promote patient safety. Normal device settings are then restored after the scan procedure is completed.

In the end, there may be no need to worry about the pain you are feeling on your abdomen, but keep in mind that if the pain you feel is excruciating, sudden, or chronic, it is always best to seek the advice of a medical practitioner. It’s for your own peace of mind.

PAA:

What does an MRI of the abdomen show?

An MRI scan is replete with information about the health of structures located in and around your abdominal area. It shows the efficiency of blood flow, blockages, enlargements, tumors, other abnormal growths, and anomalies such as decreasing and increasing sizes of tissues and veins.

In general, an MRI scan is used to rule out suspected diseases, including renal diseases, kidney stones, organ infections, and cancers, among many others. Although, it has been noted that in an estimated one-third of all procedures carried out, an MRI scan shows incidental findings. These refer to abnormalities that are not the original subject being investigated by the doctor who requested the procedure. In any case, incidental findings promote earlier diagnosis and treatment of these manifesting conditions which clearly adds to the benefits of MRI scanning.

What causes abdominal pains?

There are a number of common and more uncommon causes, as listed above. While some can be easily diagnosed, others may require closer examination. Rather than speculating on the cause, however, it is always best to be sure about the underlying reasons why you feel pain in your abdomen. One of the most reliable and most effective diagnostic procedures for you to know for sure is having an MRI scan. For your peace of mind, consult with a health professional and ask whether or not MRI scanning will be beneficial for your case.

How much does an abdomen MRI cost?

Abdominal MRI cost generally more than a CT scan does. The cost of an MRI scan varies from one provider to another. Some diagnostic centers can provide scans from £200. Price may vary depending upon how many areas need to be scanned, how soon you need the results, and any excess costs if you are covered by medical insurance.

References:

Macaluso, C and McNamara R. Evaluation and management of acute abdominal pain in the emergency department. Int J Gen Med. 2012; 5: 789–797. Published online 2012 Sep 26. DOI: 10.2147/IJGM.S25936 Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3468117/ Access Date: 10 May 2020

Cancer Research UK. MRI Scan. Link: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/tests/mri-scan Access Date: 10 May 2020

US National Library of Medicine. Abdominal MRI Scan. MedlinePlus. Link: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003796.htm Access Date: 10 May 2020

Mendelson R. Imaging for chronic abdominal pain in adults. Australian Prescriber. 2015 Apr; 38(2): 49–54.Published online 2015 Apr 1. DOI: 10.18773/austprescr.2015.019 Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4653992/ Access Date: 10 May
2020

Bunnik, E and Vernoojj M. Incidental findings in population imaging revisited. Eur J Epidemiol. 2016; 31: 1–4. Published online 2016 Feb 9. DOI: 10.1007/s10654-016-0123-0 Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4756040/ Access Date: 10 May 2020