Systemic & Metabolic-Related Conditions

Pain is an important symptom for diagnosing abdominal diseases. Pains located away from the center of the abdomen often indicate issues that are more serious.

Fissures are cracks in the anal skin caused by small or hard bowel movements. Diarrhea can also cause fissures by drying out the skin until it cracks open.

Anal itching is a rash or irritation just outside the anal opening that causes severe itching, burning and even pain. Small ulcers or sores may also be present.

Anemia, caused by a deficiency of hemoglobin, is often the result of sudden blood loss from organs such as the esophagus, stomach or small intestine.

Bloating of the abdomen usually results from air swallowing and/or the formation of gas by bacteria in the colon. Air is passed by burping and gas by farting.

Constipation refers to difficult, painful, or infrequent bowel movements. Normal frequency ranges from three times per day to three times per week.

Diarrhea is loose, liquid and (usually) frequent bowel movements caused by infection with a bacterial or viral organism that usually clears up within 24 hours.

Early satiety is the inability to eat a full meal or feeling full after only a small amount of food. Likely due to a condition when the stomach empties slowly.

Fecal incontinence is the release of someone's rectal contents against their wishes. Half of all people complaining to doctors about diarrhea have incontinence.

Hematemesis is a very dangerous condition requiring immediate emergency medical treatment in which a person bleeds internally and vomits.

Hemorrhoids, (internal or external) are masses of tissue containing blood vessels in the lower rectum and anus that can become extremely enlarged and painful.

Indigestion is discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen often associated with stomach distention, acid irritation and/or feeling full earlier than expected.

Jaundice, often first noticed in the eyes, refers to yellow discoloration of the skin that occurs when there is too much bile pigment in the blood.

Proctalgia is usually a severe stabbing pain caused by spasms of the pelvic floor muscles, the muscles of the anal sphincter, and/or the muscles of the rectum.

Rectal bleeding can be the result of either internal bleeding from inside the rectum or colon, or external bleeding from anal skin or the anal canal.

Dysphagia is a difficulty with chewing and swallowing, commonly occurring in patients with strokes due to nerve supply disturbances to the throat or esophagus.

Ulcers are breaks in the lining of the stomach or duodenum, often caused by an infection called Helicobacter pylori, that hurt due to exposure to gastric acids.