Why do I have Abdominal Pain?

Although abdominal pain may occur because of damage or an injury to your bones, muscles, or nerves, issues with abdominal organs are to blame in most cases. If you have abdominal pain that isn’t improving or that seems to worsen, it could be a sign of:

• Gallbladder problems, including gallstones and cholecystitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Bowel obstruction
• Lactose intolerance
• Crohn’s disease
• Celiac disease
• Kidney stones
• Pancreatitis
• Ulcers

Your abdominal pain may also be associated with serious viral or bacterial infections. For women, sometimes lower abdominal and pelvic pain is linked to pregnancy complications, ovarian cysts, or endometriosis. In any case, it’s important to have an evaluation any time you experience abdominal pain.

When should I see a doctor for abdominal pain?

Platinum Digestive Health can help you determine why you have abdominal pain and treat the underlying issue directly. They recommend booking an evaluation if you have any of the following issues:

• Pain during bowel movements or while urinating
• Abdominal swelling or tenderness
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blood in your stool
• Fever

If you’re experiencing acute, sharp, and severe abdominal pain, emergency medical intervention is important, as it could be a sign of appendicitis or other serious issues. Platinum Digestive Health can help you with any follow-up or continuing care you may need.

What is the treatment for abdominal pain?

As part of the diagnostic process, Platinum Digestive Health could recommend a series of tests, including a blood draw or urinalysis, fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, or endoscopy. The team conducts comprehensive diagnostic testing to determine why you have abdominal pain and rule out any related conditions.

Depending on your abdominal pain diagnosis, Platinum Digestive Health could recommend:

• Medications to minimize acid production
• Shock wave lithotripsy
• Antibiotic medications
• Dietary counseling

Your Platinum Digestive Health provider may need to perform a minimally invasive surgical procedure if you have blockages, lesions, large stones, or other serious issues. You can reach out to the team anytime you have questions or concerns.