Experiencing a bellyache once in a while is a regular occurrence. Still, if your abdominal pain is persistent or worsens over time, it may indicate a severe medical condition. Acute or chronic pain can prevent you from efficiently carrying out your daily activities. If you are looking for long-term relief from abdominal pain, GastroDoxs has the best Cypress gastroenterologist who can examine you and offer the most effective treatment.
What is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain refers to the mild ache or excruciating pain between your groin region and chest. The pain may be acute or chronic, depending on the underlying cause. Some of the health conditions that may lead to abdominal pain include:
- Food poisoning
- Gas
- Appendicitis
- Food allergies
- Endometriosis
- Appendicitis
- Gallstones
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Crohn’s disease
Localized abdominal pain is due to an underlying condition affecting one of your abdominal organs and may range from a mild ache to a stabbing or shooting pain. Generalized abdominal pain is the pain and discomfort that occurs in all parts of your stomach. In most cases, you can relieve abdominal pain by taking over-the-counter medications. But if your symptoms persist or worsen over time, you may need immediate medical care.
When should you see a doctor for abdominal pain?
Most people ignore persistent abdominal pain but knowing if your symptoms signify a life-threatening medical condition is vital. If you miss the symptoms, the underlying cause will deteriorate and cause complications that may jeopardize your life. Dr. Pothuri recommends a medical checkup if your abdominal pain improves after a few days. If you experience these additional symptoms, you may need immediate medical assistance:
- Tenderness and swelling in your abdomen
- Blood in your urine, vomit, or stool
- Excruciating pain resulting from an accident or an abdominal injury
- Dizziness, high fever, or shortness of breath
- Pain in your neck, chest, or shoulder
How can your doctor diagnose abdominal issues?
During your appointment, Dr. Pothuri conducts a comprehensive physical exam and reviews your family and medical history. He may also check your abdomen for tenderness or swelling to determine the root cause of your discomfort. He may also order the following tests if necessary:
- Endoscopy
- Ultrasound
- Upper GI X-ray
- MRI
- Colonoscopy
Dr. Pothuri and his team may also collect your stool, urine, or blood for testing. After analyzing your results, he may recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
What are the self-care techniques for alleviating abdominal pain?
There are several habits you can adopt to reduce the severity of your abdominal pain. For instance, adopting a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water provide relief. Many patients also benefit from eating small but frequent meals. Mild lifestyle changes can also improve your abdominal pain. It is advisable to avoid lying down immediately after taking your dinner as this habit can worsen abdominal pain. Dr. Pothuri may prescribe some medications to relieve your pain in some cases.
If you experience abdominal pain that does not improve with medication or worsens over time, call Dr. Pothuri or schedule your appointment online.
