Abdominal Pain in Texas
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Find a ProviderWhat is abdominal pain?
Individuals commonly have trouble finding the words to explain abdominal pain. Sometimes described as lower abdominal pain, upper abdominal pain, pain in the upper stomach, generalized pain in the stomach, etc., abdominal pain can present as any manner of discomfort in the area between the pelvis and the chest. It may be non-specific and a struggle to explain. Oftentimes, pain in your abdomen can be a small issue but it is important to take note of your body and the signs that it is sending you. There can be any number of possible reasons why you may be experiencing stomach pain. If you struggle with frequent off-and-on stomach concerns, it may be time to visit a doctor who can provide treatment for abdominal pain in Texas. You can request a consultation with a GI provider near you by contacting Texas Digestive Disease Consultants.
What are the causes of abdominal pain?
Abdominal or stomach pain might be due to quite a few less serious concerns. These typically involve:
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
- Bloating
- Virus: Such as the stomach flu or other virus.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Pain commonly presents in the lower abdomen but can be in any portion of the abdomen. Pain may increase shortly after eating.
- Food poisoning: A foodborne illness due to toxins in food from bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Symptoms include nausea, and vomiting.
- Constipation
- Food allergies (such as gluten or lactose intolerance). Common food allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, fish, and shellfish.
Other conditions with potential for greater danger that present with abdominal pain involve:
- Ulcerative colitis: IBS that can result in rectal and abdominal cramps and extreme discomfort.
- Stomach cancer: Symptoms can include pain and unusual “fullness” in the upper abdomen.
- Diverticulitis: Infection/inflammation of the colon. This might progress to bowel obstruction and abdominal swelling.
- Decreased blood supply to the intestines (intestinal ischemia): This can be the result of a blocked blood vessel and might affect intestinal operation.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This occurs when stomach acid pushes backwards into the esophagus. Symptoms can involve frequent heartburn.
- Colon cancer: Symptoms can include extreme and lengthy pain in the abdomen, and/or change in bowel habits.
- Pancreatitis: Swelling of the pancreas. Pain is often experienced in the upper abdomen, radiating to the back.
- Ulcers: Sores in the stomach lining which can result in abdominal pain.
- Bowel obstruction or blockage: Prevention of digested waste from passing through the bowel.
- Cholecystitis: Swelling of the gallbladder that can present as severe discomfort in the upper right or center of the abdomen.
- Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis): Symptoms present with extreme pain in the back and side from the groin to the lower abdomen.
- Appendicitis: Swelling in the appendix. This could feel like a dull pain in the abdomen that moves to the lower right abdomen and grows sharper.
- Crohn’s disease: An inflammatory disease of the intestines that presents with frequent diarrhea and abdominal pain.
What is the cause of lower abdominal pain?
Sometimes, pain in one's abdomen might be isolated to the lower portion of the abdomen. Some typical sources of lower abdominal pain include:
- IBD (Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease): The term for any chronic swelling of the digestive tract.
- Diverticulitis: Swelling or infection of the walls of the intestines.
- Flu (stomach flu): Infection of the intestines. Can manifest as cramping, nausea, and fever.
- Lactose intolerance: The adverse reaction to lactose (found in dairy) due to an inability to digest it.
- Celiac disease (celiac sprue): Triggered response of the body to gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye.
- Hernia: When another body part or organ forces its way into the abdominal wall.
- Appendicitis: Swelling of the appendix. This can present as a dull pain in the abdomen that travels to the lower right abdomen and becomes worse.
- IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome): Common disorder affecting the large intestine.
- Indigestion: Discomfort from indigestion in one's lower abdomen is unusual and due to an accumulation of acid after eating.
- Gas: Presents as the sensation of pressure in the abdomen and can include flatulence and burping.
- Bowel obstruction: The stoppage of digested waste from traveling through the intestine.
- Constipation: Difficulty passing and/or the inability to pass stool.
When should I go to the hospital for abdominal pain?
If you are suffering from extreme persistent abdominal pain along with any of the below-listed symptoms, emergency care might be required. Abdominal pain should be reviewed by an emergency physician immediately if:
- Pain travels from your stomach to your back
- Your stomach is extremely tender to the touch
- You have a fever associated with your abdominal pain
- Bloody urine or bloody stool
- A difficult time breathing or chest pain
- Unable to eat without vomiting
- Vomiting blood
- Irregular heartbeat
The best guideline is that it is better to be safe than sorry. If the pain in your stomach is recurring and perhaps not extreme, consulting with your nearest gastroenterologist may still be necessary. Our skilled specialists commonly provide care for patients with abdominal pain in Texas and are available help you with your GI symptoms. Blood in the stool should always be addressed and should most certainly be assessed by a medical practitioner. In the event that you have blood in your stool please call Texas Digestive Disease Consultants to request a consultation at a location near you today.
Treatment of abdominal pain
As a result of vast array of abdominal pain sources, the most effective and efficient way to treat abdominal pain is to seek a diagnosis from a gastrointestinal physician. The physician-led group of gastroenterologists at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants aspires to deliver the highest quality, patient-centric service. As leaders in digestive health, our providers are happy to perform a number of diagnostic tests and provide treatment for a vast array of factors that are responsible for pain in one's abdomen. To consult with a doctor who offers treatment for abdominal pain in Texas, please request a consultation at your nearest location today.
Reviews
I’ve had trouble swallowing for many years. I was learning to deal with the issue until I experienced huge weight loss and stomach pain. Nobody wants a colonoscopy, but Dr. Mills and the awesome team around him got my confidence back. With a little time through the Dilation I’m able to enjoy my food and on the way back to better health. Thank you!!
Dr. Mills is the best doctor. He has very good bedside manner and is kind and listened well. He keeps up to date with research, and because of that, he was able to find a solution to my abdominal pain when countless other doctors couldn’t find any solution at all. I would recommend him to anyone.
Felt like they were actually listening to me. I've had stomach pain for years and was told that's just how it would be at previous doctors. She affirmed that it wasn't ok I felt that way and ordered tests done. Have to wait for next availability but the fact I have it scheduled has been stress reducing on its own. Great place 100% recommend if you are able to wait for an appointment.
Hi!I had went to HCA Houston back in early September wIth unbearable stomach pain. I was admitted and was put in a room, and was scheduled for a colonoscopy the next day. The following day Dr Gabriel H. Lee had introduced himself to me and had explained in detail what was going to take place during the precedure and after. After the precedure Dr Lee had told me what he had found. A few days later I was being operated on to have part of my colon taken out. After the operation I was put back in my room to recover. Dr Lee would come to my room everyday and inform me of what was going on with me and what to expect. I would recommend Dr. Gabriel Lee with five stars without a doubt. He made me feel like he cared about my health, and still does today. All the Doctors, Nurses, Technicians, medical records we're so helpful. Thank you HCA Houston
I’ve been seeing Dr. Herdman for over 10 years and could not say enough good things about him and the staff at TDDC. He took me from excruciating stomach pain to living a normal life again!
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