Evaluation and Management of Abdominal Pain in Sports Medicine

What are the key questions to evaluate abdominal pain?

Onset, duration, constant or intermittent, relationship with meals, quality, radiation, severity, aggravating or alleviating factors, associated symptoms, and bowel movements.

What symptoms may indicate a need for physician evaluation in abdominal pain?

Nausea/vomiting lasting more than 24-36 hours, significant pain, or fever.

What is the most common solid organ to get injured in trauma?

The spleen.

What can cause a spleen injury?

Rib fractures, especially around the rib angle, and recent history of mono.

What are common symptoms of viral gastroenteritis?

Watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, aches, chills, fever.

What is the treatment for viral gastroenteritis?

Supportive care and Imodium for diarrhea.

What are the common pathogens associated with bacterial diarrhea/food poisoning?

Campylobacter, Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Shigella, Bacillus cereus, Yersinia, and E. coli.

What defines diarrhea?

Three or more stools in one day.

What is the definition of constipation?

Three or fewer bowel movements in a week.

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, where acid travels up through the lower esophageal sphincter.

What are common symptoms of GERD?

Chronic cough, laryngitis, sore throat, heartburn, worsened by lying down.

What is the most common cause of urgent abdominal surgery in the US?

Appendicitis.

What is McBurney's Point?

The location in the right lower quadrant where pain from appendicitis is typically felt.

What is cholecystitis?

Inflammation of the gallbladder.

What are the symptoms of symptomatic gallbladder issues?

RUQ pain, worse with fatty foods, jaundice, nausea/vomiting.

What is the treatment for severe cholecystitis?

Removal of the gallbladder, usually laparoscopic.

What is the significance of the Psoas sign?

It indicates appendicitis when pain occurs upon extending the leg while lying on the left side.

What dietary recommendations are made for patients with gastritis or peptic ulcer disease?

Avoid NSAIDs, alcohol, and consider antacids or proton pump inhibitors.

What is the relationship between eating and pain in gastritis?

Eating often makes the pain worse.

What should be done if a patient has significant pain or fever with nausea/vomiting?

Refer to a physician immediately.

What is the BRAT diet?

A diet consisting of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast, used to reintroduce foods after vomiting.

What are the categories of diarrhea?

Watery, bloody/black tarry, yellow, formed, etc.

What is the typical duration of symptoms for viral gastroenteritis?

Usually lasts 2-3 days.

What is the role of OTC medications like Imodium in diarrhea treatment?

To reduce symptoms, but should be considered carefully to allow the body to clear infections.