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Point tenderness - abdomen

Abdominal tenderness

 

Abdominal point tenderness is the pain you feel when pressure is placed over a certain part of the belly area (abdomen).

Considerations

 

The abdomen is an area of the body a doctor can easily examine by touch. The health care provider can feel growths and organs in the belly area and find where you feel pain.

Abdominal tenderness can be mild to severe. Rebound tenderness occurs when the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) is irritated, inflamed, or infected. This is called peritonitis .

 

Causes

 

Causes include:

  • Abdominal abscess
  • Appendicitis
  • Certain types of hernias
  • Meckel's diverticulum
  • Ovarian torsion (twisted Fallopian tube)

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Get emergency medical help right away if you have abdominal point tenderness.

 

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

 

Your health care provider will examine you and gently push on places on your belly. People with peritonitis will often tense the abdominal muscles when the area is touched. This is called guarding.

The provider will note any point tenderness. The location of the tenderness can indicate the problem that is causing it. For example, if you have appendicitis, you will have tenderness when a certain place is touched. This spot is called McBurney's point.

The provider will also ask questions about your symptoms and medical history. These may include:

  • When did the symptoms start?
  • Is this the first time you have had such discomfort?
  • If not, when does the discomfort tend to occur?
  • Are you having other symptoms, such as constipation , diarrhea , fainting, vomiting , or fever?

You may need to have the following tests:

  • Abdominal x-ray
  • Abdominal CT scan (occasionally)
  • Blood work, such as a complete blood count

In some cases, you may need surgery right away. This may involve an exploratory laparotomy or an emergency appendectomy .

 

 

Open References

References

Mcquaid K. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 134.

Squires RA, Postier RG. Acute abdomen. In: Townsend CM Jr, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery . 19th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 47.

 
  • Anatomical landmarks, front view

    Anatomical landmarks, front view - illustration

    There are three body views (front, back and side) that may be helpful if you are uncertain of a body area. Many areas are referred to by both descriptive and technical names. For example, the back of the knee is called the popliteal fossa. However, areas like the "flank" may not have both names, so the location may be unclear.

    Anatomical landmarks, front view

    illustration

  • Appendix

    Appendix - illustration

    The appendix is near the junction of the small bowel and the colon. On occasion, it may become infected. Although most people are familiar with appendicitis, it is a relatively rare disease. It is treated by surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy). Recovery time for uncomplicated appendicitis is usually just three days.

    Appendix

    illustration

    • Anatomical landmarks, front view

      Anatomical landmarks, front view - illustration

      There are three body views (front, back and side) that may be helpful if you are uncertain of a body area. Many areas are referred to by both descriptive and technical names. For example, the back of the knee is called the popliteal fossa. However, areas like the "flank" may not have both names, so the location may be unclear.

      Anatomical landmarks, front view

      illustration

    • Appendix

      Appendix - illustration

      The appendix is near the junction of the small bowel and the colon. On occasion, it may become infected. Although most people are familiar with appendicitis, it is a relatively rare disease. It is treated by surgical removal of the appendix (appendectomy). Recovery time for uncomplicated appendicitis is usually just three days.

      Appendix

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Point tenderness - abdomen

         
           

          Review Date: 11/2/2014

          Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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