Abdominal Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and When to See a Gastroenterologist

Abdominal pain refers to discomfort or aching that occurs between the chest and pelvis. It can feel:

• Dull or achy
• Crampy or sharp
• Burning or throbbing
• Constant or intermittent

While most people think of “stomach” pain, abdominal discomfort can come from several digestive organs — including the intestines, gallbladder, pancreas, or liver — and sometimes from outside the digestive system altogether.

There are many reasons you might experience abdominal pain. At Digestive Disease Care, we help patients diagnose and manage conditions such as:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Chronic bloating, cramping, and changes in bowel habits

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Burning pain or acid reflux after eating

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative Colitis): Chronic inflammation and severe cramping

• Gallstones: Sudden pain in the upper right abdomen

• Peptic Ulcers: Burning pain related to the stomach lining

• Constipation or Bowel Obstruction: Bloating and discomfort from slowed digestion

• Gastroenteritis (“Stomach Flu”): Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps

• Food Intolerances: Pain and bloating after eating certain foods (e.g., lactose, gluten)

If you’re unsure what’s causing your pain, our team can help identify the source through testing and expert evaluation.

Abdominal pain that is frequent, persistent, or severe should never be ignored. You should see a gastroenterologist if you experience:

• Pain lasting more than a few days
• Pain that wakes you up at night
• Blood in your stool or black/tarry stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever with abdominal discomfort
• Severe nausea, vomiting, or bloating
• Change in bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation)

If you live in Nassau County, Suffolk County, or Queens, our locations are easily accessible for timely evaluation and care.

At Digestive Disease Care, we use advanced diagnostic tools to uncover the cause of your symptoms:

• Endoscopy: to view the esophagus, stomach, or upper intestines

• Colonoscopy: to examine the colon and screen for inflammation or growths

• Ultrasound or CT scans: to visualize abdominal organs

• Lab tests: to detect infections, inflammation, or abnormal blood markers

Once we identify the source, we develop a treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis and lifestyle.

Learn more about Colonoscopy near me.

Treating abdominal pain depends on the underlying cause. Common approaches include:

• Dietary modifications (e.g., low-FODMAP diet for IBS, gluten-free for celiac)

• Medication Antacids, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, or antispasmodics

• Lifestyle changes Stress management, hydration, and improved sleep habits

• Medical procedures Including endoscopic therapy or surgery, if needed

Our team combines medical expertise with compassionate care to guide you through every step.

• Board-Certified Gastroenterologists with years of experience
• Convenient locations in Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk County
• Same-day and next-day appointments available
• Patient-first philosophy and individualized care plans

We are proud to be the leading GI practice in the region, trusted by thousands of patients for high-quality digestive health care.

Abdominal pain is never something you should ignore. If you’re feeling uncertain or uncomfortable, let our experienced gastroenterologists help you get the answers you need.

Visit one of our locations across Long Island and Queens
Call us at 516-204-4242. Or book an appointment online: www.digestivediseasecare.com

Q: What causes abdominal pain?

A: Abdominal pain may result from digestive conditions (like IBS or GERD), infections, inflammation, or blockages. A gastroenterologist can help diagnose the root cause.

Q: When should I be worried about stomach pain?

A: If pain is severe, lasts more than a few days, or is accompanied by vomiting, blood in stool, or weight loss, it’s time to see a specialist.

Q: What doctor do I see for abdominal pain?

A: A gastroenterologist is the specialist trained to diagnose and treat conditions of the digestive tract — including stomach and abdominal pain.