Abdominal Pain Medical Care Q&A

Our gastroenterologist specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of a variety of conditions that cause abdominal pain. Abdominal pain can be caused by minor concerns like indigestion or serious conditions such as appendicitis. While most abdominal pain is not serious and will resolve on its own, it’s crucial not to ignore persistent or intense stomach pain, as this symptom may indicate a more serious underlying condition.

If you’re experiencing severe or persistent abdominal pain, it’s critical to seek medical attention promptly. Pain that lasts beyond a few hours or occurs alongside symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual bowel movements should be promptly checked by a healthcare professional.

Similarly, even if the abdominal pain is mild but lasts for more than 24 to 48 hours, it’s advisable to seek medical advice. This is especially the case if you notice that the pain isn’t improving, is steadily getting worse over time, or is associated with swelling or tenderness of the abdomen. If you’re experiencing difficulty breathing or eating, or notice blood in your stool or vomit, these are alarming signs that warrant immediate medical attention.

As each patient is unique, what might be a minor issue for one person could be more serious for another. Always prioritize your health and seek a consultation with our healthcare professionals if you’re experiencing any prolonged or severe abdominal pain. If you’re uncertain whether your symptoms warrant a trip to the doctor, we encourage you to reach out to our team at Digestive Disease Care.

Seek medical advice for abdominal pain if it’s severe, persistent, or worsening, especially if accompanied by symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits. Experiencing sudden, sharp pain or symptoms of infection, such as fever or chills, warrants urgent medical care. Pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medication is also a sign to consult a doctor.

Certain symptoms can indicate serious conditions and should not be ignored. These include pain radiating to your back or shoulders, unexplained weight loss, severe nausea and vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal swelling, or changes in the color of your urine and stools. For example, yellowing skin may signal liver issues, while dark urine could indicate a problem with your bile ducts.

Abdominal discomfort and related symptoms can stem from various causes, such as gallstones, ulcers, or pancreatitis, so it’s essential to get a proper diagnosis. A healthcare professional can assess your symptoms and guide you toward the most appropriate treatment. When it comes to your wellness, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. It’s crucial to trust your instincts and get medical care if something about your abdominal pain feels off.

Our board-certified gastroenterologists are experienced in accurately diagnosing the underlying cause of abdominal pain through a multi-step process. The initial steps of diagnosis include gathering a detailed medical history and performing a physical examination. Our healthcare providers will ask about the nature, duration, location, and intensity of the pain, as well as whether there are any accompanying symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. Crucial information about past similar pain episodes, underlying health conditions, recent injuries or surgeries, medication use, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors will also be collected.

During the physical examination, our doctors will check for areas of tenderness, tap on the abdomen to check for tenderness or pain, and listen to the sounds within the abdomen using a stethoscope. Rectal and pelvic examinations may also be carried out to rule out certain causes. Our practice also utilizes advanced medical imaging to further evaluate abdominal pain. Our doctors may order an ultrasound, endoscopy, or laparoscopy to get a better look at the tissues within the abdominal tract. Based on the information gathered, our healthcare providers will make a diagnosis of what’s behind your abdominal pain.

At Digestive Disease Care, we diagnose and treat many digestive concerns known to cause abdominal pain:

• Gastroenteritis: Also known as the stomach flu, this condition can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Peptic Ulcers: Sores that develop in the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or upper small intestine, which can result in a burning sensation.

• Gallstones: These solid deposits are found in the gallbladder and can result in sudden, sharp discomfort in the upper right abdomen.

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Chronic digestive illnesses, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can result in abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic issue with the large intestine, which may cause symptoms like bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, constipation, and diarrhea.

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): A condition that often causes heartburn and pain in the upper abdomen or chest.

• Diverticulitis: An inflammation or infection of pouches in the colon, which can result in severe lower abdominal pain.

• Pancreatitis: An inflamed pancreas that can cause intense upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back.

Not all abdominal pain is related to the digestive system; it can also result from conditions such as muscle strains or spasms, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, kidney stones, and other conditions. Our experts can identify the source of your discomfort and guide you to the appropriate treatment. Schedule your consultation today and embark on a path to better health and well-being. We have convenient locations to serve you in Melville NY, New Hyde Park NY, Forest Hills NY, Jericho NY, Mineola NY, Lake Success NY, Babylon NY, East Setauket NY, Massapequa NY, and BEYOND.