Abdominal Pain in Dallas, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is abdominal pain?
Individuals commonly have trouble describing abdominal pain. It can be described as pain in the lower abdomen, upper abdominal pain, upper stomach pain, 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 can seem non-specific and hard to define. Oftentimes, pain in your abdomen can be something of a non-issue, but it is important to listen to your body and the messages that it is sending you. There may be any number of possible conditions or explanations as to why you may be experiencing stomach pain. If you have had consistent here-and-there stomach issues, it might be time to meet with a physician who offers treatment for abdominal pain in Dallas, TX. You can locate a GI physician near you by calling Digestive Health Associates of Texas.
What are the causes of abdominal pain?
Abdominal or stomach pain could be rooted in several more benign issues. These frequently involve:
- Allergies to foods (such as lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance). Common food allergies include nuts, milk, fish, eggs, and shellfish.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Pain commonly occurs in the lower abdomen but can be in any part of the abdomen. Pain may increase soon after eating.
- Virus: This could be a stomach flu or other virus.
- Gas
- Constipation
- Poisoning from food: A foodborne illness due to toxins in food from parasites, bacteria, or viruses. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting.
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
Alternate and potentially more serious conditions that present with abdominal pain involve:
- Bowel blockage or obstruction: Inability of digested material to pass through the bowel.
- Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis): Symptoms present with severe pain in one's back and side from the groin to the lower abdomen.
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease): Experienced when stomach acid regurgitates back into the esophagus. Symptoms can include recurring heartburn.
- Insufficient supply of blood to the intestines (intestinal ischemia): This may be due to a blocked blood vessel and could affect intestinal efficiency.
- Pancreatitis: Swelling of the pancreas. Pain is felt from the upper abdomen, radiating to the back.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix. This could feel like a dull pain in one's abdomen that moves to the lower right abdomen and becomes sharper.
- Diverticulitis: Infection/swelling of the colon. This can be the cause of bowel obstruction and abdominal inflammation.
- Colon cancer: Symptoms may include severe and long-lasting pain in the abdomen, as well as a change in bowel habits.
- Cholecystitis: Swelling of the gallbladder that can present as severe pain in the center or upper right of the abdomen.
- Ulcerative colitis: IBS which can manifest in abdominal and rectal cramping and pain.
- Crohn's disease: An inflammatory disease of the intestines that results in frequent diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Ulcers: Sores in the lining of the stomach that can cause pain in the abdomen.
- Cancer of the stomach: Symptoms could include pain and unusual "fullness" in the upper abdomen.
What is the cause of lower abdominal pain?
In some cases, pain in one's abdomen may be localized to the lower portion of the abdomen. Some typical root causes of lower abdominal pain include:
- Bowel blockage: The stoppage of digested waste traveling through the intestine.
- Lactose intolerance: The inability to fully digest lactose found in dairy.
- Hernia: When a part of the body or organ forces its way into the abdominal wall.
- Diverticulitis: Swelling or infection of the intestinal wall.
- Indigestion: Pain resulting from indigestion in one's lower abdomen is unusual and often the result of an accumulation of acid after eating.
- Gas: Feels like pressure in your abdomen and could include burping and flatulence.
- Irritable bowel disorder (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis): The term for any chronic swelling in the digestive tract.
- Constipation: Difficulty passing and/or the inability to pass stool.
- Flu (stomach flu): Infection of the intestines. May be characterized by cramping, nausea, and fever.
- Celiac sprue (Celiac disease): Triggered response of the body to gluten, found in rye, wheat, and barley.
- Appendicitis: Swelling of one's appendix. This may feel like a dull pain in the abdomen that moves to the lower right abdomen and grows sharper/intensifies.
- IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome): Common disorder affecting the large intestine.
When does abdominal pain require a hospital visit?
If you or a loved one are experiencing intense, unceasing pain in the abdomen accompanied by any of the following issues, emergency assistance might be needed. Abdominal pain should be evaluated by an emergency physician right away if:
- Pain extends from the stomach to the back
- Your stomach is unusually tender to the touch
- You have a fever associated with your abdominal pain
- Bloody urine or bloody stool
- Trouble breathing or pain in your chest
- Unable to eat without vomiting
- Blood in your vomit
- Irregular heartbeat
The best rule of thumb is to not take any risks. If your stomach pain is recurring and maybe not excruciating, meeting with your nearest GI specialist may still be advisable. Our experienced professionals routinely provide care for patients with abdominal pain in Dallas, TX and are ready to help you with your gastrointestinal needs. Blood in your stool should always be addressed and should be evaluated by a medical practitioner. In the event that you have blood in your stool, please get in touch with Digestive Health Associates of Texas today.
Treatment for abdominal pain
Because it can be caused by many factors, the most effective method for treating abdominal pain is to seek a diagnosis from a gastrointestinal physician. The physician-led group of gastroenterologists at Digestive Health Associates of Texas strives to deliver the highest standard of patient-centric care. As experts in gastrointestinal health, our specialists are able to perform an array of diagnostic tests and give treatment for a great number of conditions that cause abdominal pain. To meet with a physician who provides treatment for abdominal pain in Dallas, TX, please contact our office today to make an appointment.
Reviews
My PCP basically forced me to go to a GI doctor after years of treating me for stomach pain. I blindly went to Dr. Sidhu and it turned out to be such a good choice. Not only is Dr. Sidhu very thorough, but his bedside manner is great. He is a cool guy and very kind. I am nervous about whatever is wrong with me, but I have no doubt he will get to the bottom of it. I am making my husband go to him as well!
Dr. Arslandar and his clinic support team was the end of the rainbow of my 8 week journey for my stomach pain and body relief. From the moment I met him he was personable, articulate, and confident of his capabilities. Bottom line he put me at ease. Long story… he quickly relieved my problem ( endoscopy) and follow up was a snap.
Dr Yepuri was very helpful in solving my stomach pain. I really appreciate his fast response and that the medication he prescribed fixed the problem.
Dr. Bass is attentive and he listens.
Dr Patell & Jennifer are the best! They take care of me like a family member! That says it all…..thanks so much for always following up and even calling me at home to see how I am doing! ~Elizabeth
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