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Abdominal pain is nothing new. It’s something that everyone has encountered at some time or another. However, the stomach discomfort that accompanies a heavy meal or the flu is far different than the pain that indicates a more serious or chronic condition, and understanding the differences between the two is an important part of keeping your body healthy. When you know the signs, it becomes far simpler to detect a problem early and to seek treatment before complications arise. Here are some important factors to consider:
What is the Nature of the Stomach Pain?
Pain has several distinguishing characteristics, each of which can be useful when determining its cause or source. For instance, severe pain that comes on suddenly could be an indication of a serious underlying condition, such as appendicitis or pancreatitis, which requires immediate medical attention. Other types of pain could come in waves and produce cramping (often a sign of intestinal contraction due to an obstruction) or be steady and dull. While these types of pain should also be investigated should they continue, they typically do not represent an emergency situation.
What Improves or Worsens Stomach Pain?
Another factor to consider are actions taken that either relieve or worsen the pain. Over-the-counter antacids, for instance, may provide relief from heartburn or a stomach ulcer, and the pain associated with IBS may be temporarily relieved following a bowel movement. However, there are other actions which may make some forms of pain worse. Pain from inflammation, such as that associated with appendicitis or pancreatitis, may intensify with jarring motions or the contractions that accompany a cough or sneeze. Likewise, pain associated with pancreatitis may worsen while lying down, and other conditions such as gallstones, peptic ulcers, or food intolerances often produce pain after eating.
Diagnosing the Source of Abdominal Pain
Getting to the bottom of abdominal pain means taking into account all of the symptoms above and discussing them with a gastroenterologist. Your physician will then conduct a physical exam and any necessary testing to reach a definitive diagnosis. During this process, your doctor will check for signs of inflammation, masses, and areas of tenderness. He or she may order blood tests, stool samples, a urinalysis, or imaging tests in order to better understand all of the factors at play. Once your physician has identified the source of your pain, they can recommend the most effective treatment options to help bring relief.
If you are currently experiencing abdominal discomfort, contact Digestive Diseases Center, and request an appointment with one of our board-certified gastroenterology physicians. Through their medical expertise and our state-of-the-art technologies, you can finally understand the cause of your pain and discover all possible solutions.
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