Abdominal Pain

Advanced Gastroenterology Associates of SA

Board Certified Gastroenterologist located in San Antonio, TX

Abdominal pain is a familiar feeling that's often a minor, temporary problem, but if you have severe pain or other symptoms, it could mean something more serious. If you have abdominal pain, board-certified gastroenterologist Muhammad Naeem, MD, at Advanced Gastroenterology Associates of SA in San Antonio, Texas, can help. Dr. Naeem uses his extensive experience and advanced technologies to diagnose the cause of your abdominal pain and provides the latest, most effective treatments for your condition. Call today to book an appointment or fill in the online form.

Abdominal Pain Q & A

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.

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