Abdominal Pain Treatment Specialist Q&A

While your primary care doctor can assess your abdominal pain and provide first-line treatments, more complex concerns require the expertise of a gastroenterologist. These doctors specialize in treating and managing diseases affecting the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, colon, rectum, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. If you experience frequent abdominal pain due to a chronic condition, such as Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or gallstones, a gastroenterologist can provide personalized care to help you kick your symptoms to the curb and enjoy a high quality of life.

Among the various causes of abdominal discomfort, the most common include:
 
Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, known as gastritis, can result from infections, chronic use of pain relievers, or excessive alcohol consumption.

Lactose intolerance: This condition occurs when your body can’t properly digest lactose, the sugar found in milk and dairy products. Patients who are lactose intolerant experience bloating, gas, and cramping shortly after consuming dairy.

Indigestion: Often related to eating habits, indigestion can cause an uncomfortable feeling of fullness. Indigestion is usually a temporary issue, but it can be quite uncomfortable when it occurs.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Characterized by cramping, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, IBS is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management.

Peptic ulcers: Open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach or upper part of the small intestines and cause burning pain are known as peptic ulcers.

Pancreatitis: This condition causes the pancreas to become inflamed, resulting in severe abdominal pain along with nausea and vomiting.

Stomach pain is a common occurrence, but it’s important to know the warning signs to understand when your symptoms could be signaling something serious.

If you experience the following symptoms, it’s strongly urged that you promptly see a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation:
 
– Worsening pain or related symptoms.
– Abdominal discomfort that lasts longer than a week.
– Sharp or sudden stomach pain.
– Bloating or constipation that lasts for longer than two days.
– Diarrhea that lasts for longer than five days.
– Unexplained weight loss.
– Stomach pain that occurs along with a fever.
– Persistent vomiting that makes it difficult to keep food or fluids down.
– Rectal bleeding.
– Abdominal swelling.
– Changes in bowel habits.
– Burning sensation during urination.

Abdominal pain can be categorized into several different types:
 
Generalized pain: This term is used to describe pain that is spread across more than half of the abdomen, often caused by indigestion, gas, and viral stomach bugs.

Localized pain: When pain can be pinpointed to a distinct part of your abdomen, it can indicate an issue with a particular organ in the digestive system. Conditions like appendicitis and gallstones can cause localized stomach discomfort.

Referred pain: Pain that is felt in a different part of the body than where it originates is classified as referred pain. For instance, shoulder pain may originate from the liver or gallbladder.

Progressive pain: This type of pain becomes more severe over time. Progressive pain can occur due to Crohn’s disease, enlarged spleen, hepatitis, or stomach cancer.

If you are experiencing abdominal pain, it’s essential to consult a reputable gastroenterologist to determine the root cause of your symptoms. Your gastroenterologist will review your medical history and symptoms as well as run diagnostic tests to establish an accurate diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan. The treatments recommended to relieve your symptoms will depend on the specific condition affecting you.
 
For example, if you are dealing with a gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) flare-up, the doctor may offer nutritional advice, discuss stress management strategies, or prescribe medications to manage your symptoms. On the other hand, more serious abdominal conditions like Crohn’s disease or gallbladder cancer may require surgical intervention to prevent complications.
 
For comprehensive support in managing gastrointestinal symptoms, schedule a visit with Dr. Vinay Katukuri, MD, at Advanced Gastroenterology. Dr. Katukuri will consider your unique needs to successfully address your discomfort and improve your digestive wellness. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Kissimmee FL and Orlando FL. We serve patients from Kissimmee FL, Orlando FL, Celebration FL, Buenaventura Lakes FL, Williamsburg FL, St. Cloud FL, Meadow Woods FL, and Hunters Creek FL.