Moreover the tests results for the abdomen pain may not always give abnormal results such as the ultrasound examinations that can miss any occurrence of gallstones like the smaller ones.  There are also CT scan results that fail to show any pancreatic cancer particularly the smaller ones and the KUB which misses the signs and symptoms of stomach perforation or intestinal obstruction.  The CT scans and ultrasounds may also fail to determine the appendicitis or even its abscesses; more so if the abscesses are very small and also the other blood tests and CBC may give normal results despite severe inflammation or infection particularly if the patient is receiving treatment with corticosteriods.

There are also some instances where the abdomen pain is confused with the diseases that mimic one another.  The irritable bowel syndrome or IBS have symptoms that may mimic appendicitis, gallbladder attacks, ulcer, cancer and bowel obstruction and the Crohn’s disease which may mimic appendicitis and the infection on the right side of the kidney which also mimics acute cholecystitis.  The ruptures ovarian cyst on the right side may also mimic appendicitis and a ruptures ovarian cyst on the left side can also mimic diverticulitis.

Even the kidney stones can also mimic diverticulitis and appendicitis.  The pain  characteristics whether  pain in the lower left abdomen, pain in the lower right abdomen, pain upper left abdomen, or pain upper right abdomen may also change depending on the particular illness such as the inflammation of the pancreatitis which could cause pain on the whole abdomen and or the progression of the biliary colic to the cholecystitis.  Thus, it is very important for patients to help the doctor determine the cause of the abdomen pain by being prepared during their cross examination.

It is best to prepare a list first before visiting a doctor to help determine the exact cause of abdomen pain specially lower abdomen pain.  The patient should write all the medications that they are taking, any allergies, important medical illness, any previous surgery, procedures and hospitalizations.  They should also include any family member who is ill, or with diseases in gastrointestinal areas and even prior consumption of alcohol, chemical dependence and smoking habits. Remember it is always best to consult your doctor for any abdomen pain.