Abdominal Pain Specialist

What causes abdominal pain?

Disease and other health issues cause abdominal pain. It can stem from any of your abdominal organs such as your intestines, appendix, or gallbladder, as well as muscles like your diaphragm or pelvic floor. Women experience abdominal pain from problems with their reproductive organs. 

Some of the common causes of abdominal pain include:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Crohn’s disease
• Organ rupture (e.g., burst appendix)
• Kidney stones
• Gallstones
• Diverticulitis
• Urinary tract infections
• Intestinal obstruction
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

Women can have abdominal or pelvic pain from conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

When should I talk to a doctor about abdominal pain?

Almost everyone gets a stomach ache occasionally. For example, you might overeat or consume something that irritates your digestive system. This type of discomfort usually passes quickly. 

Signs that you should see a doctor for your abdominal pain include:

• Dull pain that persists for a week or more
• Severe pain that doesn’t go away in 24-48 hours
• Severe pain in a single location
• Pain that gets worse over time instead of subsiding

You should also see a doctor if you have abdominal pain with unexplained weight loss, diarrhea that lasts for more than five days, or a burning sensation while you urinate. Make an appointment immediately if you find blood in your urine or stool.

How do you diagnose the cause of abdominal pain?

The team at Spring Valley Internal Medicine provides comprehensive exams and testing to identify the cause of your abdominal pain. After reviewing your medical history and symptoms, your provider feels your abdomen for swelling or other abnormalities. 

They might order lab tests, including blood work, urinalysis, and stool samples. In some cases, your provider might request an endoscopy or colonoscopy to examine the inside of your digestive tract in more detail. 

How is abdominal pain treated?

Treatment for abdominal pain depends on the condition that causes it. For example, your provider might recommend changing your diet to exclude foods that irritate your digestive system. 

If you have a condition like gallstones or kidney stones, they might prescribe medication or a procedure to help you pass the stones more easily. 

Whatever is causing your abdominal pain, you can count on the team at Spring Valley Internal Medicine for expert diagnosis and treatment. Call the practice or schedule an appointment online today.