What causes abdominal pain?
There are multiple possible causes of abdominal pain. The pain could be coming from any of the structures or organs within your abdomen. It can sometimes be due to problems in your chest or pelvic area.
Some of the more common causes of abdominal pain include:
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Pancreatic disorders
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Female pelvic pain
- Peptic ulcer
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Gallbladder disease
- Diverticulitis
- Liver disease
In women, abdominal pain can be due to painful menstruation and conditions affecting the female reproductive system. Abdominal pain can also develop if you have a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Do I need to see a doctor for abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is a sign that something's not right in your body. Very often, the cause is temporary, like trapped gas, and doesn't need urgent attention. You should mention any abdominal pain to your physician to be on the safe side.
If your abdominal pain is severe, see your doctor at Advanced Gastroenterology Associates of SA right away. There are also warning signs that indicate a more serious problem, such as:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Persistent constipation
- Blood in the stools
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Vomiting blood
- Severe tenderness of the belly
- Jaundice (yellowish skin)
- Swelling of the abdomen
If you have any of these symptoms as well as abdominal pain, contact Advanced Gastroenterology Associates of SA for advice.
How is abdominal pain diagnosed?
To find the cause of your abdominal pain, your provider at Advanced Gastroenterology Associates of SA looks at your medical history and current symptoms and carries out a physical exam.
You might need to undergo tests to confirm the cause of your abdominal pain. These tests could include:
Lab tests
A blood test can detect infections, conditions like anemia, and markers of disease, and can also assess liver and kidney function. Urinalysis might be necessary to rule out a UTI. Stool samples can provide information about infections, inflammation, and digestive disorders.
Diagnostic imaging tests
Your provider at Advanced Gastroenterology Associates of SA can choose from numerous types of diagnostic imaging tests to see what's going on inside your body.
Barium studies involve swallowing or having an injection of a substance that shows up on an X-ray. CT and MRI scans create cross-sectional images of your internal organs, while ultrasound creates moving pictures.
Endoscopy
An endoscope is a flexible instrument fitted with a camera that your provider inserts into your body. The camera relays a view of hollow organs like your esophagus, stomach, and duodenum (upper gastrointestinal endoscopy), or your colon and rectum (colonoscopy).
Once you have a diagnosis for the cause of your abdominal pain, you can begin treatment. Call Advanced Gastroenterology Associates of SA today to get started or book an appointment online.
