Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Nihat Okçu from Medipol University Hospital said that sudden pain in the upper abdomen may be a harbinger of a heart attack. Emphasizing that the pain should be taken seriously, Okçu advised to apply to the emergency room in case of sudden and severe pain lasting longer than 15 minutes.
Abdominal pain is a common discomfort in the society and can be a symptom of serious health problems. Gastroenterology Specialist Prof. Dr. Nihat Okçu from Pendik Medipol University Hospital stated that sudden severe pain in the upper abdomen should be taken seriously. Stating that these pains may be related to diseases of organs in the chest cage such as the heart and lungs, Prof. Okçu said, “Although pain in the upper abdomen in the region where organs such as the stomach, liver and gallbladder are located are often associated with these organs, pain due to a heart attack can also be felt in this region. Cardiac infarction, especially in the lower surface of the heart facing the diaphragm, can cause severe pain in the upper abdomen. For this reason, it is very important to apply to the emergency room when experiencing sudden and severe pain lasting longer than 15 minutes.”
Emergency intervention may be required
Reminding that the intensity, onset and duration of pain provide important clues in determining the cause of abdominal pain, Prof. Okçu said, “Mild onset and gradually intensifying pain may be associated with conditions such as gallbladder diseases, kidney diseases and pancreatitis. In sudden onset of severe pain, conditions requiring emergency intervention such as ulcer perforation, esophageal rupture and heart attack should be considered.”
Do not underestimate pain
Stating that correctly identifying the underlying causes of abdominal pain and applying appropriate treatment methods play a critical role in improving the quality of life of patients, Prof. Okçu said, “Especially sudden and severe abdominal pain should be taken seriously and health institutions should be consulted as soon as possible. Abdominal pain should not be taken lightly. It is important that patients act more consciously and cautiously in this regard.”
The underlying root cause should be found
According to Prof. Okçu, the severity, location, spread, duration and relationship with other complaints of abdominal pain should be taken into consideration. Prof. Okçu also explained that the source of abdominal pain can be determined by using examination and a number of auxiliary diagnostic methods and said, “Most abdominal pains are mild to moderate and temporary. In others, it can be life-threatening with a serious underlying disease.”
The whole abdomen may ache
Stating that diseases of the small and large intestines, excretory and sexual organ diseases should be taken into consideration in pains that occur in the middle-lower parts of the abdomen, Okçu said:
“In some diseases, pain may occur in all parts of the abdomen, in which case pancreatic diseases, diabetic coma, intestinal diseases with diarrhea, intestinal obstruction, obstruction in blood vessels (embolism-infarction), peritonitis should be considered.”
Okçu stated that while some abdominal pains are treated with diet and medication, others require surgical intervention.
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