Examination of unknown cause of chest or abdominal pain

When should you see a doctor?

Abdominal and chest pain can be caused by many different reasons and is not always a serious problem. However, there are situations when you need to see a doctor urgently because of pain. Here are some signs when you should seek medical help as soon as possible:

• Severe, sudden and unexpected pain: if you experience sudden and intense pain in the abdomen or chest, even spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms, this may be a sign of a heart problem or other serious condition.
• Shortness of breath or choking: If chest pain is accompanied by a feeling of shortness of breath or choking, this can be an urgent warning sign of heart and lung problems.
• Nausea, vomiting, fever, jaundice: These symptoms may indicate infection or inflammation, which may require urgent medical intervention.
• Diarrhoea and/or blood in the stools: If diarrhoea and blood in the stools occur along with abdominal pain, this may be a sign of inflammatory bowel disease or other serious prOther specific tests: Depending on the symptoms and clinical suspicion, other more specific tests may be performed.oblems.
• Dizziness, loss of consciousness: If dizziness or loss of consciousness occurs with the pain, it may indicate a serious condition such as blood loss, heart problem or neurological problem.
• Persistent, recurring pain: If the pain lasts for a long time or recurs regularly, it is worth seeking medical advice to investigate the cause. 
• Pain during pregnancy: abdominal pain among pregnant women can indicate a serious problem, such as miscarriage or premature delivery.
  

The examination process

The examination of an unknown origin of pain always involves several steps:

1. Take the anamnesis: The first step is to record the patient's medical history. First of all, the patient is interviewed in detail about their symptoms, the nature of the pain, its intensity, frequency of occurrence and possible causes.
2. Physical examination: The internist carefully examines the patient's chest, and abdomen, using palpation and various medical instruments to identify possible abnormalities or disorders.
3. Laboratory tests: Blood and urine tests help detect possible inflammation, infections, or other abnormal conditions. The tests required will be decided by the doctor.
4. Medical imaging tests: imaging tests may be used to clarify the nature of the problems where indicated. Ultrasound, X-ray, CT or MRI scans can help to examine organs and tissues in more detail and can help to detect any potential lesions, tumours or injuries.
5. ECG (electrocardiogram): if the pain appears to be of a cardiac origin, an ECG can help to detect possible heart rhythm disturbances or myocardial damage. At Zenon Clinic, a 12-lead ECG is available, which provides detailed information about arrhythmias.
6. Endoscopy: If a gastrointestinal problem is suspected, endoscopy can be used to examine the digestive tract and gastrointestinal tract.
7. Other specific tests: Depending on the symptoms and clinical suspicion, other more specific tests may be performed.

The tests mentioned above will help the internist to determine the cause of the pain and the underlying disease, which will help to develop an appropriate treatment plan.