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Geriatric Gastroenterology pp 323–328Cite as

Abdominal Pain

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Abstract

Abdominal pain is a common problem in the geriatric population. Assessment is challenging in this age group because of the difficulty in obtaining a satisfactory history due to the presence of comorbid processes including impaired cognition, delirium, physical or other disabilities. It is generally more likely that the older patient with abdominal pain may have a serious underlying disorder. Older patients presenting to the ED with abdominal pain have a greater likelihood of requiring hospitalization and perhaps surgery. The importance of rapid assessment, use of appropriate tests, and early surgical consultation where indicated could be instrumental in improving outcomes. A focused physical examination is important. A combination of approaches in pain management based on current guidelines helps address pain. The geriatric patient has unique differing pharmacokinetics and dynamics with regard to use of medications, including analgesics and is prone to adverse drug effects. A multidisciplinary approach may be needed to tackle abdominal pain.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine, Drexel University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA

    C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF (Clinical Professor of Medicine)

  2. New York Medical College, Vallhala, NY, USA

    C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF (Adjunct Professor of Medicine) & T. S. Dharmarajan MD, FACP, AGSF (Professor of Medicine, Associate Dean)

  3. Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Saint Peter’s University Hospital, New Brunswick, NJ, USA

    C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF (Chief)

  4. Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center (North Division), 600 East 233rd Street, Bronx, NY, 10466, USA

    T. S. Dharmarajan MD, FACP, AGSF (Vice Chairman)

  5. Division of Geriatrics, Montefiore Medical Center (North Division), 600 East 233rd Street, Bronx, NY, 10466, USA

    T. S. Dharmarajan MD, FACP, AGSF (Clinical Director)

  6. Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program, Montefiore Medical Center (North Division), 600 East 233rd Street, Bronx, NY, 10466, USA

    T. S. Dharmarajan MD, FACP, AGSF (Program Director)

Authors
  1. C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF
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  2. C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF
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  3. C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF
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  4. T. S. Dharmarajan MD, FACP, AGSF
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  5. T. S. Dharmarajan MD, FACP, AGSF
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  7. T. S. Dharmarajan MD, FACP, AGSF
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. S. Pitchumoni MD, MPH, FRCP(C), MACP, MACG, AGAF .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Hospital, Department of Medicine, Saint Peter’s University, 254 Easton Ave, New Brunswick, 08901, New Jersey, USA

    C. S. Pitchumoni

  2. (North Division), Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, 600 East 233rd Street, Bronx, 10466, New York, USA

    T. S. Dharmarajan

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Pitchumoni, C.S. et al. (2012). Abdominal Pain. In: Pitchumoni, C., Dharmarajan, T. (eds) Geriatric Gastroenterology. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1623-5_32

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1623-5_32

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