Abdominal pain is recorded as one of the most common health complaints experienced by the public, affecting individuals from adolescents to older adults. Data show that acute abdominal pain (AAP) accounts for 7 to 10 percent of all visits to Emergency Departments (ED).
Noviantoro Sunarko Putro, an internal medicine specialist at Universitas Gadjah Mada Academic Hospital (RSA UGM), explained that upper abdominal pain, or dyspepsia, is a sensation of discomfort originating in the upper abdomen.
“Pain and a burning sensation in the epigastric region, feeling full after eating, early satiety, and frequent belching are characteristic signs of dyspepsia,” he said during a health talk show on abdominal pain and a free abdominal ultrasonography (USG) screening, held on Saturday (Jan. 17) at the Gadjah Mada Medical Center (GMC) Clinic, UGM.
Furthermore, Putro explained that dyspepsia can be divided into two main categories: organic and functional disorders.
Organic dyspepsia is generally caused by gastric ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux, side effects of medications, and the possible presence of cancer. Meanwhile, dyspepsia may also be triggered by a lack of physical activity, dietary patterns, and psychological factors such as stress.
According to him, the warning signs of dyspepsia are relatively easy to recognize.
“If there is sudden weight loss, difficulty swallowing, persistent vomiting, or the appearance of a lump in the upper abdomen, the condition should be examined immediately,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bestari Ariningrum Setyawati, a radiology specialist at Dr. Sardjito General Hospital (RSUP Dr. Sardjito), explained that abdominal ultrasonography is the first-line supporting examination for diagnosis.
Before undergoing an abdominal ultrasound or upper-lower abdominal USG, patients are expected to be able to accurately identify and describe the location of their pain to medical personnel.
“We ask patients to be open and to explain their complaints specifically when paramedics conduct anamnesis. This openness is crucial to ensure that the diagnostic process is truly accurate,” she said.
For students or boarding-house residents living independently, Putro recommended initial self-care measures when experiencing abdominal pain, such as taking over-the-counter medications available at nearby pharmacies.
However, if the pain is repetitive, he cautioned that it may be related to the menstrual cycle.
“To accurately determine the source of pain, further examination through ultrasonography is necessary for proper identification,” he explained.
The radiology specialist added that abdominal ultrasound examinations should ideally be performed regularly, even in the absence of symptoms. She recommended undergoing an examination at least once a year to monitor the condition of internal organs.
As part of promotive and preventive efforts, Dr. Yayuk Soraya, Head of the GMC Clinic, stated that abdominal pain is among the 10 most common complaints handled by the GMC and that similar patterns are likely to be found in other healthcare facilities.
“Through this talk show, we aim to strengthen promotive and preventive efforts so that the public becomes more vigilant before falling ill,” she concluded.
One of the staff members of UGM’s Central Administrative Office (KPTU), Shoofia Ayu, considered the talk show highly beneficial in raising awareness that abdominal pain is a complex condition and should not be diagnosed carelessly.
She also expressed her motivation to encourage colleagues to be more attentive to internal organ health.
“I plan to invite my friends, especially unmarried women, to be more aware of the importance of abdominal ultrasound examinations. Sometimes, for unmarried women, this can feel awkward. However, it is actually highly recommended,” she concluded.
Author: Aldi Firmansyah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographs: Hanifah and Freepik