title: [Abdominal pain].
abstract: Abdominal and pelvic pain are the most common causes of referral to a gastroenterologist or gynaecologist, and the understanding of visceral pain mechanisms may contribute to a better diagnosis and treatment. Visceral pain is often perceived as a deep, dull and vague sensation with referral to somatic and other visceral structures, but when the peritoneum is involved the pain is more distinct and localised. Long duration or recurrence of the pain may produce permanent changes in the central nervous system, resulting in an increased sensitivity to external stimuli. These changes often involve other organs and somatic structures in the referred pain area. Finally, options for treating visceral pain are described.
authors.affiliation: Aalborg Sygehus, Gynaekologisk-obstetrisk Afdeling. drewes@smi.auc.dk
authors.forename: Hans
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Madsen
authors.forename: Asbjørn Mohr
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Drewes
mesh_terms: D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D000208:Acute Disease; D000700:Analgesics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017699:Pelvic Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D017833:Visceral Afferents / Q000503:physiopathology
chemical_list: D000700:Analgesics; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal