Why Does My Abdominal Region

Hurt?a guide to self diagnosis

DISCLAIMER

Nicole Milana is not a licensed physician. If you have severe or reoccurring pains in your abdomen, or any other region of your body, seek medical attention immediately.

Right vs. Left It is important to note that the terms “right”

and “left” refer to those sides of the body belonging to the person and not to the right and left of the viewer.

for example:

http://www.actwin.com/toaph/peewee

Let’s get diagnosed!

The abdominal cavity is divided into nine regions

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

http://www3.ribnet.nb.ca/trevgall/biology/digest.html

The Abdominal Cavity

1. Upper right abdominal region (right hypochondriac)

Liver GallbladderMost common ailment: gallstonesIf you are experiencing an agonizing pain in the upper right region of the abdomen, it’s time for a visit to the doctor!

http://www3.ribnet.nb.ca/trevgall/biology/digest.html

2. Upper middle abdominal region (epigastric region)

Stomach Pancreas

Most common ailment: indigestion or a stomach ulcerIf you are experiencing frequent pain and bloating during the middle of the night and/or 1-2 hours after a meal, it’s time to visit your friendly neighborhood doctor!

http://www3.ribnet.nb.ca/trevgall/biology/digest.html

3. Upper left abdominal region (left hypochondriac region)

Stomach Spleen

http://www3.ribnet.nb.ca/trevgall/biology/digest.html

4, 5, and 6. Middle Abdominal regions (lumbar regions) and the belly button (umbilical region)

Ascending and descending colon of large intestine

Transverse colon of the large intestine

Small intestine

Most common ailment: constipation, bloating and irritable bowel syndromeGenerally this is nothing to be concerned about. However, if pain is frequent and/or persistent it’s time to see a doctor!

http://www3.ribnet.nb.ca/trevgall/biology/digest.html

7. Right lower abdominal region (Right iliac or inguinal region)

Cecum of lg. intestine AppendixMost common ailment: appendicitisIf you are experiencing agonizing pain in your lower right abdominal region that extends into your umbilical region you need to seek medical attention immediately!

http://www3.ribnet.nb.ca/trevgall/biology/digest.html

8. Middle lower abdominal region (hypogastric region)

Urinary Bladder

http://www3.ribnet.nb.ca/trevgall/biology/digest.html

9. Left lower abdominal region (left iliac or inguinal region)

Sigmoid colonMost common ailment: mother nature is callingIf you are experiencing pain in your lower left abdomen, it would be in your best interest to find the nearest bathroom.

http://www3.ribnet.nb.ca/trevgall/biology/digest.html

This brings us to the end. . .