Abdominal pain Abdominal pain can be part of a variety of abdominal and non-abdominal conditions. Individual symptoms and signs from history taking and physical examination have limited discriminatory value for a clear diagnosis. Additional laboratory testing strategies and imaging techniques can provide more guidance in this respect. In this article, we will answer specific practical questions with respect to abdominal pain. Topics discussed include various abdominal conditions, diagnostic markers, the diagnostic value of imaging techniques and new treatments for irritable bowel syndrome.