Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Loved One

Q: Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Help for Your Loved One

Hello： 1. <br>It is recommended to monitor liver function, as hepatitis can present with gastrointestinal symptoms. <br>2. <br>Bloating, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, and hypertension have many differential diagnoses; it is advisable to consult a gastroen

Abdominal pain

Hello, my mother has abdominal swelling (54 years old).
We always thought it was just a protruding abdomen or stomach.
She is about 158 cm tall and weighs between 55-60 kg, which is not considered overweight, but her abdomen is quite noticeably large.
In the past few days, she has been experiencing abdominal pain, which is severe enough at night that she can't sleep.
She describes it as a feeling of bloating, and the pain is located around the navel.
We suspect it might not be related to the stomach or uterus.
Additionally, she has a poor appetite and hasn't eaten anything all day.
Yesterday was worse; she vomited every ten minutes.
My mother has a history of hypertension, which causes her to feel dizzy, but she hasn't had diarrhea (she hasn't had a bowel movement in the last couple of days).
A similar situation occurred previously, and after two days in the emergency department at Asia University Hospital, an ultrasound was performed, but no cause was found.
They only diagnosed her with a urinary tract infection, treated her with IV fluids and medication, and she felt much better afterward.
Later, we took her back to Asia University for a health check-up as a precaution, but they found elevated liver enzymes, yet still couldn't determine the cause of her abdominal pain.
After a month of medication, the hospital said her liver enzymes were normal and that she didn't need any more medication.
I feel like I'm getting off track.
What I want to ask is, if I take my mother to the hospital tomorrow, which department should we visit? Should we consider going to a different hospital? I'm very worried that if we go back to Asia University, they won't find anything again.
Seeing my mother lying at home all day and not being able to eat anything is very concerning.
Thank you.

Miss Zheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/12/21

Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: 1.
It is recommended to monitor liver function, as hepatitis can present with gastrointestinal symptoms.
2.
Bloating, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting, dizziness, and hypertension have many differential diagnoses; it is advisable to consult a gastroenterologist or a general internist.
Wishing you good health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Lin Ming-Hui, Taoyuan Hospital, Department of Health.

Reply Date: 2012/12/21

More Info

When dealing with abdominal pain, especially in a loved one, it's crucial to understand the potential causes and when to seek medical help. Your mother's symptoms, including abdominal swelling, pain around the navel, loss of appetite, and vomiting, warrant immediate attention. Given her history of hypertension and previous episodes of abdominal discomfort, it's essential to approach this situation with care.

Abdominal pain can arise from various sources, including gastrointestinal issues, urinary tract problems, or even gynecological concerns. In your mother's case, the pain's location around the navel suggests that it could be related to the intestines, such as in cases of constipation, bowel obstruction, or even conditions like appendicitis. The fact that she is experiencing significant discomfort, especially to the point of being unable to sleep, is a red flag.

Given her symptoms, it would be advisable to take her to the emergency department or an urgent care facility. When you arrive, you should consider seeing a gastroenterologist or an internal medicine specialist. These specialists are well-equipped to handle abdominal pain and can perform the necessary tests to determine the underlying cause. If her symptoms are severe, such as persistent vomiting and inability to eat, it may be best to go directly to the emergency room.

In addition to gastrointestinal issues, her symptoms could also indicate complications related to her hypertension, such as hypertensive crises, which can sometimes manifest with abdominal pain. Therefore, it’s essential to communicate her full medical history to the healthcare providers, including her hypertension and any previous episodes of abdominal pain.

If she has already been evaluated at a hospital and the tests did not yield conclusive results, it may be worth seeking a second opinion at a different facility. Sometimes, different hospitals have varying levels of expertise and diagnostic capabilities. If you choose to return to the same hospital, ensure that you express your concerns clearly and advocate for more thorough testing, such as imaging studies (like a CT scan) or blood tests that can provide additional insights into her condition.

In the meantime, monitor her symptoms closely. If she experiences any new symptoms, such as fever, increased pain, or changes in her bowel habits, these could indicate a worsening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
In summary, given your mother's current symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical help promptly. A visit to the emergency department with a focus on gastroenterology or internal medicine is recommended. If previous evaluations have not provided answers, consider seeking a second opinion at another hospital. Your vigilance and advocacy for her health are vital in ensuring she receives the appropriate care.

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