How Do You Diagnose Upper Abdominal Pain With Rectal Bleeding?
Diagnosing upper abdominal pain with rectal bleeding presents a challenge to the physician. The two conditions may or may not be related, which requires both to be worked up separately. A thorough workup of these symptoms will be outlined here. A workup is a series of steps and diagnostic procedures done until the etiology is confirmed or all possibilities are ruled out. Perform a complete history and physical exam of the patient. A thorough history is important to determine if there is any family history of the same symptoms or conditions. This may be helpful in determining any possibilities of the cause. Perform a complete physical. Palpate the neck and groins to determine if any enlarged lymph nodes are present. Palpate the abdominal area, feeling for any masses and seeking to localize the site of the pain. Listen for bowel sounds with a stethoscope. Perform a visual and digital exam of the rectum. Perform necessary laboratory tests. This will include routine hematology and urinalys
