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Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is a broad subject that would require an extensive discussion beyond the scope of this article. If you do experience new abdominal pain or discomfort during your travels, it is likely the result of an infection (gastroenteritis) or irritation of the stomach (gastritis). Because there are more serious causes of abdominal pain, we have also reviewed the symptoms that should alert you of the need to seek immediate medical attention.
Gastroenteritis (Traveler’s Diarrhea)
The most common cause of gastroenteritis in travelers is from one of the many organisms (viral, bacterial, or parasitic) that you may have ingested through contaminated food or water. Most cases are from bacteria in food. This type of abdominal pain is usually sporadic and cramping, and accompanied by diarrhea and/or vomiting. Mild symptoms can often be managed by treatment with a drug such as loperamide (Immodium). Diarrhea that is important enough to change your schedule should be treated with an antibiotic (see Traveler’s Diarrhea page).
Gastritis/Indigestion
Faced with a number of exposures to new foods, water, and poor sanitary conditions, it is common for travelers to complain of an upset stomach. (Gastritis simply means inflammation of the stomach by whatever cause). Jet lag, stress, insomnia, new foods, new bacteria, alcohol, and tobacco all contribute to alter the normal digestive process. This can create symptoms of bloating, heartburn, indigestion, and sporadic stomach pain. By modifying your behavior and diet you may reduce these symptoms and, if needed, there are medicines that can help. For a complete review and treatment guidelines, see Traveler’s Diarrhea.
There are many less common causes of mild, uncomplicated abdominal pain that are outside the scope of this guide. If your mild symptoms do not resolve within two days, consult with your primary care doctor when you return home or visit a designated MedToGo physician in Mexico.
The pain of gastroenteritis and gastritis usually lasts a short time and is easily treatable. There are, however, other forms of abdominal pain that can be very serious. Below we have listed the various causes of severe abdominal pain and those symptoms that would require you to seek immediate medical attention.
There are many less common causes of mild, uncomplicated abdominal pain that are outside the scope of this guide. If your mild symptoms do not resolve within two days, consult with your primary care doctor when you return home or visit a designated MedToGo physician in Mexico.
The pain of gastroenteritis and gastritis usually lasts a short time and is easily treatable. There are, however, other forms of abdominal pain that can be very serious. Below we have listed the various causes of severe abdominal pain and those symptoms that would require you to seek immediate medical attention.
Important note: People with altered immunocompetence (long-term diabetics, HIV, cancer, and transplant patients taking immunosuppression drugs) do not show the typical symptoms associated with severe abdominal disorders. These people should seek medical attention whenever they become ill. Debilitated, elderly persons and infants and toddlers should always be evaluated. Obviously, if there is any concern as to the seriousness of abdominal discomfort, seek medical attention before the situation becomes dangerous.
Signs of Serious Conditions
Signs and Symptoms suggesting a more serious case of abdominal pain:
- Fever greater than 101 F, accompanied by severe abdominal pain
- Systemic symptoms: chills, perspiration, shakes
- Stupor, confusion, incoherence, or fainting
- Severe tenderness or rigid stomach muscles when pushing softly on the abdomen
- Blood in the stool, urine, or vomit
- Inability to have a bowel movement despite the sensation to do so
- Inability to produce urine
- Difficulty walking or riding in a car; makes the abdominal pain much worse
Possible causes that require immediate medical attention:
- Appendicitis
- Perforated bowel or stomach
- Obstructed bowel
- Diverticulitis
- Gallbladder Inflammation
- Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
- Pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation)
- Major vessel blood clot
- Aortic Aneurysm
- Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
- Kidney stones
- Pyelonephritis (kidney infection)
- Gynecologic or Obstetric problems
- Certain rare bowel infections
Testimonial » view all
My name is Laura Read. I had a hysterectomy in Hermosillo, Mexico in August of 2011 with Dr. Jose Gonzalez. So my doctor, my OB here in the states let me know that I needed a hysterectomy. Unfortunately I don’t have insurance and to have that surgery here in the states, just to walk into the hospital I needed $20,000, which I did not have.
I did a lot of research, and my brother had had surgery in Mexico a couple years prior.
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