Abdominal Pain

What is abdominal pain?

Everyone gets the occasional stomachache. But sometimes abdominal pain can be a sign of something more serious. Abdominal pain can vary in location, severity, and frequency, and diagnosis and treatment depend on its underlying cause.

What causes abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain can come from a variety of sources. It may be due simply to heartburn or trapped gas or a long list of other conditions, some of which are not even gastrointestinal in origin. That list includes:

Pulled muscle
Appendicitis
Inflammation of the bladder, gallbladder, pancreas, or liver
Inflammation of the digestive tract
Diverticulitis
Bowel obstruction
Celiac disease or gluten intolerance
Dairy intolerance, or other food allergies
Gastroesophageal reflux syndrome (GERD)
Hernia
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Crohn’s disease
Ulcerative colitis (UC)
Cancer
Ulcers
Anxiety

When should I see a doctor about abdominal pain?

If you’re experiencing any abdominal pain for more than a few hours, call us as soon as possible. However, in some cases, emergency care may be necessary. See a doctor immediately if your abdominal pain becomes too severe for you to stand on your own, or if it makes it impossible for you to find a comfortable sitting position.

You should also see a doctor if your abdominal pain is accompanied by:

Fever
Bloody stools or blood in vomit
Persistent nausea or vomiting
Weight loss
Skin that appears yellow
Severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen
Abdominal swelling or inflammation

You should also seek immediate emergency attention if your abdominal pain is accompanied by chest pain, numbness in any extremity, or lightheadedness, as these can be signs of a cardiac event.

If you’re experiencing abdominal pain but don’t know why, call us.