ABSTRACT

There are a multitude of conditions which can present with abdominal pain, ranging from mild, self-limiting illnesses to serious diseases. Here, we cover presentations including indigestion, diarrhoea and vomiting, and constipation. We set out the key features of common causes and suggest approaches for management, while highlighting features which point to potentially more serious conditions. We then move on to common anal problems, with detail on distinguishing characteristics and the red flags. The chapter concludes with a section on conditions affecting the urinary tract; we provide readers with an overview of the various testing approaches and when to use them, alongside information on treatment and prophylaxis. We also highlight the key differences in lower and upper urinary tract infections and the pitfalls to avoid in managing pyelonephritis, a condition which can be very serious if treated incorrectly.