Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which doctor should I visit for acute/emergency abdominal pain?In emergency abdominal pain, seek immediate medical attention at the nearest Emergency Room (ER) for prompt evaluation and intervention.
2. What is the acute abdomen, and when is it an emergency?
Acute abdomen refers to sudden, severe, and associated symptoms like high fever, vomiting blood, or signs of shock.
3. How can I differentiate between Acute and Chronic Abdominal Pain?
Acute abdominal pain is sudden and intense, often requiring immediate medical attention for a short duration. Chronic pain persists over months, having a gradual onset and varying causes. If your pain lasts for weeks without improvement.
4. Is abdominal pain in itself an emergency?
Abdominal pain or discomfort should not always be considered an emergency. However, if the pain is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other alarming symptoms like vomiting, fever, or difficulty breathing, it may warrant emergency medical attention.
5. What does a rigid abdomen indicate?
A rigid abdomen may indicate a serious condition such as peritonitis or an abdominal emergency. It requires immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
6. What is the assessment order for examining the abdomen?
The assessment order for examining the abdomen typically involves inspection, auscultation, percussion, and palpation (commonly known as IPPA). Healthcare professionals use these steps to gather information about abdominal conditions.
7. What is the ICD10 code for acute abdominal pain?
The ICD10 code for acute abdominal pain is typically found under codes such as R10.0 (Acute abdomen) or specific codes that identify the underlying cause of the pain.
