Many people in Singapore have experienced mild stomach ache (or tummy pain) and recovered from it after some rest and the consumption of over-the-counter painkillers. While stomach aches may be a common ailment, it is important not to dismiss acute abdominal pain, which is often a medical emergency.
The abdomen is the lower part of the human body, between the chest and the pelvis. This body region contains critical organs such as the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, and other structures.
Acute abdominal pain refers to sudden and severe discomfort in the abdomen that may require immediate medical attention and, in certain cases, surgery. It is a symptom rather than a specific condition, indicating an underlying issue.
Acute abdominal pain may be caused by mild problems such as indigestion, trapped wind, or overeating, as well as potentially life-threatening conditions like acute appendicitis , acute cholecystitis and acute peptic ulcer complications.
Both gastrointestinal issues and non-gastrointestinal issues can lead to acute abdominal pain:
Medical Conditions: Acute myocardial infarction & Severe Pneumonia can also lead to referred pain in Abdomen
The seriousness of acute abdominal pain depends on its underlying cause. Some conditions, such as appendicitis or a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, can be fatal and require immediate attention. Ignoring severe abdominal pain may lead to complications and worsen the prognosis.
Leaving acute abdominal pain untreated can result in the progression of the underlying condition.
It is vital to seek urgent medical care from a general surgery clinic or call 995 to contact a nearby hospital’s Accident and Emergency (A&E) Department if you experience sudden and severe abdominal pain, especially if the pain is accompanied by one or more of the following symptoms:
This is because timely treatment is crucial to prevent complications and aid recovery. Ace Specialist Surgery and Endoscopy Clinic offers round-the-clock emergency services for acute abdominal pain cases. Patients experiencing acute abdominal pain can seek medical attention at any time for diagnosis and intervention. You can call us any time of the day (24/7), and we will try to arrange an appointment or urgent operation with our general surgeon as soon as possible.
A general surgeon will employ multiple tests to diagnose your acute abdominal pain, such as the following:
After our surgeon does a detailed assessment of your condition, he will recommend a personalised treatment plan tailored to your underlying cause of acute abdominal pain. In many cases, it may be advisable for patients to undergo immediate surgery.
These are the common treatments for acute abdominal pain:
In conclusion, acute abdominal pain, which refers to the sudden and severe discomfort in the abdomen, is often a medical emergency that needs immediate surgery. Individuals with acute abdominal pain are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent complications.
Ace Specialist Surgery and Endoscopy Clinic is experienced in managing emergency cases of acute abdominal pain. If you are suffering from acute abdominal pain, call us anytime, day or night, and we will schedule an appointment or urgent surgery with our Senior Consultant Endocrine and General Surgeon, Dr Reyaz Singaporewalla, as soon as possible.
Dr Reyaz has more than 25 years of experience in the field of General and Endocrine-Head Neck Surgery. He acquired valuable experience and training in Minimally Invasive and laparoscopic surgery as well as Endocrine (Thyroid / Parathyroid / Adrenal) and Breast Surgery under Professor Martin K. Walz and Professor Tom Lennard. Importantly, the veteran surgeon is skilled in dealing with emergency acute abdominal pain cases.
Risk factors for acute abdominal pain in Singapore include:
While some causes of acute abdominal pain are not preventable, certain lifestyle modifications can reduce the risk:
Recurrence depends on the underlying cause. Conditions like kidney stones, once treated, may have a lower recurrence risk with proper management. However, chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease may require ongoing care to prevent flare-ups.
1. Abdominal pain. www.healthhub.sg. Accessed January 23, 2024.
https://www.healthhub.sg/a-z/diseases-and-conditions/abdominal-pain#:~:text=Causes%20of%20Abdominal%20Pain
2. Acute Abdomen: What It Is, Symptoms & Causes. Cleveland Clinic.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/25064-acute-abdomen