Abdominal Pain Specialist

What causes abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain typically falls into two categories: acute and chronic. Acute abdominal pain usually develops quickly and often resolves within a few days. The most common causes of acute pain are indigestion, excess gas, or injury, but more serious conditions like diverticulitis, ulcers, and gallstones can also cause acute abdominal pain.

You might experience chronic abdominal pain if you have a long-term condition that affects your abdomen, such as colitis, gastroesophageal reflux disease, celiac disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. Some diseases can cause chronic abdominal pain to worsen over time, including certain cancers and Crohn’s disease.

When should I visit the doctor for abdominal pain?

Generally, you should pay a visit to Gastroenterology on Gramercy Park right away if you experience any of the following symptoms along with your abdominal pain:

• Fever

• Weight loss

• Blood in your stool

• Swelling

• Yellowing skin

• Nausea or vomiting

All of these conditions might indicate a more serious medical condition or even a medical emergency.

How is abdominal pain diagnosed?

How your doctor at Gastroenterology on Gramercy Park diagnoses the cause of your abdominal pain will depend on the location, duration, intensity, and any other symptoms. In most cases, your provider will use one or more of the following tools for a proper diagnosis:

Sonogram

A sonogram, also known as a diagnostic ultrasound, uses high-frequency sound waves to project an image of the structure of your abdomen onto a nearby screen. This helps your doctor identify blockages, poor blood flow, or abnormal growths that might be causing your pain.

Endoscopy

If your provider suspects an intestinal condition is causing your abdominal pain, they might perform an endoscopy to investigate. An endoscopy uses a small tube with a camera attached to the tip, called an endoscope, to project an image of the inside of your stomach, small and large intestines.

How is abdominal pain treated?

Your doctor will offer treatments based on your underlying condition. Your provider can treat some medical conditions, such as bacterial overgrowth, with medication. Other conditions might require surgery or long-term treatment, such as with diverticulitis or cancer.

If you’re experiencing serious abdominal pain, don’t wait it out. Call Gastroenterology on Gramercy Park to schedule your consultation or book an appointment online.