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Point tenderness - abdomen

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Anatomical landmarks, front view
Anatomical landmarks, front view
Appendix
Appendix

Alternative Names    Return to top

Abdominal tenderness

Definition    Return to top

Abdominal point tenderness refers to the pain you feel when pressure is applied to a specific part of the belly area (abdomen).

Considerations    Return to top

The abdomen is an area of the body a doctor can easily examine by touch. The doctor can feel masses and organs within the belly area and pinpoint where you feel pain.

Abdominal tenderness can range from mild to severe. "Rebound" tenderness occurs when the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) is irritated, inflamed, or infected. See:Peritonitis

Causes    Return to top

When to Contact a Medical Professional    Return to top

Any person with point tenderness should call or present to an emergency room in order to be examined promptly by the health care provider!

What to Expect at Your Office Visit    Return to top

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam, which includes gently pushing on areas of your abdomen. Persons with peritonitis will often tense the abdominal muscles when the area is touched by the doctor. This is called "guarding."

The doctor will note any point tenderness. This is a general term which means you have tenderness in a particular area.

For example, if you have appendicitis, you will likely have point tenderness when a specific part of your belly area is touched. This area is called McBurney's point.

The health care provider will also ask questions about your symptoms and medical history:

The following tests may be done:

In some cases, immediate surgery will be needed. This may involve an exploratory laparotomy or an emergency appendectomy.

References    Return to top

Proctor DD. Approach to the patient with gastrointestinal disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 134.

Postier RG, Squires RA. Acute abdomen. In: Townsend CM, Beauchamp RD, Evers BM, Mattox KL, eds. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery. 18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 45.

Update Date: 11/16/2008

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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