Abdominal point tenderness refers to the pain you feel when pressure is applied to a specific part of the belly area (abdomen).
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
Any person with point tenderness should call or present to an emergency room in order to be examined promptly by the health care provider!
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.
Abdominal tenderness