While everybody experiences an upset stomach from time to time, abdominal pain (belly pain) can indicate a gastrointestinal problem or other serious medical issues. At North Texas Gastroenterology Associates PLLC in Sherman and Anna, Texas, Joseph Kim, MD, Jermaine Clarke, DO, MBA, and their expert team find the root cause of your abdominal pain and offer treatments that provide relief. Schedule an appointment by phone or book online today.
Abdominal pain is a feeling of discomfort in your abdomen at or near your stomach. It might feel like a stomachache, sharp pain, dull discomfort, cramping, and/or pain that comes and goes. While many people experience abdominal pain from time to time, sharp or long-lasting discomfort can indicate that you have a medical problem requiring treatment.
See your doctor if you experience severe pain, fever, persistent nausea and vomiting, or bloody stools. Unexplained weight loss, yellow-colored skin, and abdominal tenderness or swelling can also indicate a medical problem requiring immediate medical attention.
Many things can contribute to abdominal pain, including:
When in doubt, call North Texas Gastroenterology Associates PLLC to find out if your symptoms call for a medical evaluation.
To find the cause of abdominal pain and develop a treatment plan, your specialist reviews your medical history and asks you questions about your symptoms. They complete a physical exam and might press on different parts of your abdomen to find out where the pain is.
Your specialist could recommend that you undergo a barium enema, blood, urine, and/or stool tests. They could also order a colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG), or upper endoscopy. They might suggest a CT scan, abdominal ultrasound, X-rays, or other imaging procedures to diagnose the root cause of your abdominal pain.
Your personalized treatment for abdominal pain will depend on its cause. Your doctor might recommend lifestyle changes, like stress reduction, diet changes, getting regular exercise, and taking dietary supplements.
They could suggest you take over-the-counter or prescription medications or, in some cases, undergo surgery. Your GI specialist may recommend holistic, natural treatments over medication and surgery whenever possible.
Don’t live with abdominal pain or let it turn into a serious medical problem. Call North Texas Gastroenterology Associates PLLC today or book an appointment online.
