What causes abdominal pain?
There are many possible causes of abdominal pain. Most often, a stomachache comes from mild indigestion, or the effects of stress. In women, abdominal pain is common during menstruation. Other possible causes of abdominal pain include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Food poisoning
- Food allergies
- Lactose intolerance
- Ulcers
- Hernia
- Gallstones
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
- Kidney stones
- Appendicitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
With so many possible causes of abdominal pain, it can be difficult to know whether your stomachache is something to worry about.
Do I need to see a doctor about my abdominal pain?
If you have abdominal pain that’s severe or worsening, it’s best to seek medical advice. There are other symptoms you might have at the same time as abdominal pain that can also indicate you need medical attention, such as:
- Fever
- Continual vomiting
- Dehydration
- No bowel movements
- Pain when urinating
- Vomiting blood
- Bloody, black, or tarry stools
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen abdomen
- Yellow skin
Abdominal pain isn’t very often a sign of anything serious, but if you’re concerned, you can always call Gastroenterology Associates of Beverly Hills for advice.
How is abdominal pain diagnosed?
To diagnose the cause of your abdominal pain, your provider at Gastroenterology Associates of Beverly Hills reviews your medical history and discusses your current symptoms with you. Then they carry out a thorough physical exam.
If you can, try to describe your pain, as this can help with the diagnosis. Is it a sharp or stabbing pain? Dull or aching? Is the pain continuous, or does it come and go? When you’re in pain, does it get worse or better if you do anything in particular? Is it always in the same place, or does it move or radiate into other areas?
After your exam, you might need to undergo diagnostic tests, such as:
- Blood tests
- Urine or stool samples
- Hydrogen breath test
- H. pylori breath test
- Barium drink or enema
- X-ray
- Abdominal ultrasound
- CT (computed tomography) scan
- Endoscopy
- Wireless capsule endoscopy
It’s essential to get an accurate diagnosis so you receive the best possible treatment for your abdominal pain.
If you have abdominal pain that’s not getting better, or if you have additional symptoms, call Gastroenterology Associates of Beverly Hills today, or book an appointment online.
