Point tenderness - abdomen Health Article

Definition

Abdominal point tenderness refers to the pain you feel when pressure is applied to a specific part of the belly area (abdomen).

Alternative Names

Abdominal tenderness

Considerations

The abdomen is an area of the body a doctor can easily examine by touch. The doctor can feel masses and organs within the belly area and pinpoint where you feel pain.

Abdominal tenderness can range from mild to severe. "Rebound" tenderness occurs when the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) is irritated, inflamed, or infected. See:Peritonitis

Common Causes

• Abdominal abscess
• Appendicitis
• Certain types of hernias
• Diverticular disease
• Hepatitis
• Meckel's diverticulum
• Ovarian torsion (twisted Fallopian tube)
• Pelvic inflammatory disease

Call your health care provider if

Any person with point tenderness should call or present to an emergency room in order to be examined promptly by the health care provider!

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam, which includes gently pushing on areas of your abdomen. Persons with peritonitis will often tense the abdominal muscles when the area is touched by the doctor. This is called "guarding."

The doctor will note any point tenderness. This is a general term which means you have tenderness in a particular area.

For example, if you have appendicitis, you will likely have point tenderness when a specific part of your belly area is touched. This area is called McBurney's point.

The health care provider will also ask questions about your symptoms and medical history:

• When did the symptoms develop?
• Is this the first time you have had such discomfort?
• If not, when does the discomfort tend to occur?
• What other symptoms do you have? For example, do you have:
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Fainting
  • Fever
  • Vomiting

The following tests may be done:

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

In some cases, immediate surgery will be needed. This may involve an exploratory laparotomy or an emergency appendectomy.