23rd November, 2013
Forty-eight hours after President Goodluck Jonathan suddenly fell ill and was forced to skip a meeting Thursday in London with an investment advisory group, his PR handlers today disclosed the nature of his illness.
A statement by Reuben Abati revealed that the President was indisposed as a result of ‘serious abdominal pains’, which in medical terms is called ‘acute abdomen’.
What is acute abdomen?
P.M.NEWS shares with readers the insight about this serious ailment as provided by the website of the Medical Centre of the New York University.
“Acute abdomen” is the medical term used for pain in the abdomen that usually comes on suddenly and is so severe that one may have to go to the hospital. As opposed to common abdominal pain, which can be caused by minor issues such as constipation or gas, acute abdominal pain can signal a variety of more serious conditions, some of which require immediate medical care and/or surgery. Therefore, if you suspect you have this condition, contact your doctor immediately.
(President Jonathan indeed followed this advice and checked into a hospital immediately for diagnosis).
There is a long list of factors that can trigger the acute abdomen crisis:
They are : Viral gastroenteritis —stomach flu, Intestinal obstruction, Hernia, Appendicitis —inflammation of the appendix, Pancreatitis —inflammation of the pancreas Diverticulitis —inflammation of small pouches that form in the large intestine, Cholecystitis—inflammation of the gallbladder, with or without gallstones, Cholangitis—inflammation of the bile duct caused by a gallstone or a bacterial infection Gastritis —inflammation of the stomach lining, such as from drinking too much alcohol or prolonged use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Other causes are: Kidney, bladder, or urinary tract infection, Kidney stones, Ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease —inflammatory diseases of the intestines, Sickle cell crisis, Diabetic ketoacidosis—dangerously high levels of acids in the blood, Ruptured or leaking abdominal aortic aneurysm —abnormally large blood vessels in the abdomen, Ischemia—inadequate, or blocked, blood supply to one of the abdominal organs, Infectious diarrhoea, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Peptic ulcer, Heart attack, Cancer, Pneumonia.
In women, acute abdomen can be triggered by Menstrual cramps, Endometriosis,Uterine fibroids, Ovarian cysts,
Pelvic inflammatory disease —inflammation around the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes
Miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy.
Diagnosis
“Your doctor will ask you for details about your pain, such as the exact location and duration, and about any additional symptoms you may be experiencing, such as bowel or urinary symptoms. He or she will also take your medical history, including any drugs or medications you’ve taken, and perform a physical exam, including rectal and pelvic examinations.
Additionally, one or more of the following tests may be necessary to make a diagnosis:
Blood tests, Urine analysis, Liver function tests, Ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to examine the abdomen, CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the abdomen, MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the abdomen, KUB (kidney, ureter, and bladder) x-rays, Barium x-rays, Angiography, surgery, Endoscopy—a thin, lighted tube inserted down the throat to examine the abdominal area