Abdominal pain can come on suddenly or it can develop over time, and it can be a symptom of a serious gastrointestinal condition. If you suffer from abdominal pain, you need the expertise of a gastroenterologist.
Causes of Acute Abdominal Pain
Acute abdominal pain that comes on suddenly could be caused by a kidney, bladder, or urinary tract infection, kidney stones, gastroenteritis, appendicitis, diverticulitis, pancreatitis, or peritonitis.
Causes of Chronic Abdominal Pain
Chronic abdominal pain that develops and worsens over time could be caused by irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease, ulcers, colitis, an inguinal or hiatal hernia, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, hepatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, or kidney, gallbladder, liver, stomach, or pancreatic cancer.
When To See a Gastroenterologist for Abdominal Pain
You should seek out the help of your gastroenterologist if you are experiencing signs and symptoms like these, in addition to your abdominal pain:
- Severe pain or a high fever
- Nausea or vomiting
- Blood in your stool
- Unexplained rapid weight loss
- Yellowed skin and eyes
- Abdominal swelling
Diagnosis of Abdominal Pain
Your gastroenterologist may recommend laboratory and diagnostic testing. Procedures used to diagnose the cause of abdominal pain include:
- An endoscopy to view your esophagus and stomach
- A colonoscopy, to view your colon and intestines
- An abdominal ultrasound to view your abdominal areas
Treatment of Abdominal Pain
Treatment of abdominal pain will vary depending on the cause of your pain. Your gastroenterologist may recommend:
- Antacid medications to reduce stomach acid if you have GERD
- Antibiotic medications to kill underlying bacteria if you have an ulcer or infection
- Dietary modifications if you have Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or other GI conditions
- Surgical treatment if you have kidney, gallbladder, liver, stomach, or pancreatic cancer
Want to Know More about the Causes and Treatments of Abdominal Pain?
To discover more about the causes and treatments of abdominal pain, call the gastroenterologists at Digestive Disease Physicians in Alexandria, VA. They offer individualized care and timely appointments and procedures. You can reach them in the office by calling (703) 751-5763, so call today.
