Should I Go To The Doctor For Stomach Pain

You Have Preexisting Conditions

Besides pregnancy, other preexisting conditions can make you more susceptible to medical emergencies when experiencing severe abdominal pain.

If you are over 45 years old, upper abdominal pain can be a sign of a heart attack.

If you have had any of the following surgeries, your pain could be a sign of complications:

• Abdominal surgery

• Diarrhea that lasts more than 5 days
• Severe vaginal bleeding

Stomach Pain: When To Visit A Gastroenterolgy Specialst

Stomach pain is something that everyone experiences from time to time. It can be caused by poor diet habits, high stress, and other environmental factors. Luckily, while stomach pain may bring discomfort, the symptom often fades away within a few days. However, if you are experiencing chronic stomach pain frequently, it may be a sign of a more serious problem.

Should I See A Doctor If I Get Stomach Pains When I Am Stressed

You should be seeing your primary care physician at least once a year, and you should tell them if you often have stomach pain or GI discomfort.

If your primary care physician identifies symptoms of a chronic GI condition or other warning signs, they may refer you to a gastroenterologist like myself. A gastroenterologist can help determine if your stomach pain or GI symptoms are related to stress, or due to another condition that requires different treatment.

You May Like: How To Eliminate Bad Breath From Stomach

What Other Symptoms Relate To Abdominal Pain

Pain in the abdomen may be experienced as aching, stabbing, burning, twisting, cramping, dull, or a gnawing pain.

The pain may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as a feeling of discomfort in the abdomen, bloating, constipation, wind , belching , fever, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, fever, dehydration or loss of appetite

The pain might be steady or it might get stronger. It can be made worse or it can be improved by changes in posture or by coughing.

Describing the pattern and location of your symptoms to a doctor may help them in identifying the cause of your abdominal pain. These causes include:

• Peptic ulcer The pain is often felt in the upper abdomen, as a knife-like pain which goes through to the back.
• Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease The pain usually causes a central burning pain that develops just under the breastbone, and may rise upwards. It may be accompanied by belching.
• Appendicitis The pain usually starts near the navel before moving down to the lower right abdomen when it becomes more constant.
• Gallstones or gallbladder irritation The pain is felt in the upper right abdomen, back or right shoulder.
• Lower abdominal pain: Also referred to as lower stomach pain, it is probably coming from your bowel.
• Period pain This is usually a dull, cramping pain, felt low down, which may radiate through to the back.

You May Have Appendicitis

Appendicitis happens when there is a blockage in your appendix. It requires emergency surgery to avoid complications. If you dont get your appendix removed, it can lead to a life-threatening infection as your appendix can rupture.

The most common symptoms of appendicitis are significant pain in the lower right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or fever.

Also Check: Do Stomach Ulcers Give You Diarrhea

Iv Fluids Pain Treatment Blood Tests & Imaging Tests

Typically in the ER, you’ll get an IV. We’ll put an IV in, which is giving you medications. So if you’re having severe pain we’ll give you a pain medication. If you’re having nausea we’ll treat that. Often times we’re giving fluid for dehydration, especially if a person has been vomiting a lot, “I’ve had a lot of diarrhea.” And then I’m thinking about testing. What do I need to do to figure this out?

In some cases someone may come in, I may push on their abdomen and in doing that I pretty much have an idea of what’s going on, but those cases are rare. A lot of times with abdominal pain we are sending tests and so typically there I’m doing blood work, looking at their white blood cell count, that’s going to show me signs of infection.

Also, looking at their liver function test to see if there’s anything there that suggests a liver problem. Look at something called the lipase, which is something that they have an issue in the pancreas. I’m going to see things that are abnormal there. Looking at the kidneys, electrolytes. So all sorts of different blood tests.

And then beyond that I may do an ultrasound, an ultrasound to look at the gallbladder. Maybe we end up getting a CT scan to look at the appendix or the other organs in the abdomen. So it’s going to be more testing guided by where this person hurts.

How To Describe Your Pain

Sometimes it can be challenging to describe the location and characteristics of the pain. However, describing your pain in detail can help your doctor narrow down possible causes. Although pain is subjective, there are common ways to describe different types of pain.

The National Institutes of Health recommends telling the following information to your healthcare provider. Consider keeping a pain journal, so you remember:

• How long your pain has lasted
• Its location left side, right side, upper, lower, or middle
• If it stays in one place or radiates out
• How it feels and how severe
• If itâs constant or comes and goes
• What makes it worse or better
• How often it happens and for how long
• How it limits or affects your life
• Anything that seems to trigger it

Some common ways to describe how it feels are:

Read Also: What Can I Give My Dog To Settle His Stomach

What Is Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is pain felt anywhere in the area between the bottom of the ribs and the pelvis. Most Australians will experience abdominal pain at some point in their lives.

Abdominal pain can be serious, but most abdominal pain gets better on its own without needing any special treatment.

People sometimes refer to abdominal pain as stomach pain, stomach ache, stomach cramps, tummy pain, sore stomach, wind pain or belly ache.

Pain or discomfort in the abdomen can be mild or severe. It may come on suddenly it could be something that you experience from time to time or it could be an ongoing symptom that lasts for more than 3 months . It can also start off mild and steadily worsen . Pain that comes and goes in waves is referred to as colicky pain.

This page is about abdominal pain in adults, or anyone over the age of 12. Go to this page for information on abdominal pain in children.

Your Doctor Will Want To Rule Out Anything Serious

In addition to injury, your doctor will want to rule out other potential causes for your back pain. Medical conditions, such as cancer, immune suppression, and osteoporosis could also be possible triggers for back pain . You could also be suffering from a condition known as foot drop, in which your toes drag along the ground and you consciously have to lift your foot as you walk. This could be a sign of nerve problems, as well as a muscle or brain-related issue.

Treatment for back pain can vary, depending on the condition and its severity. Generally speaking, the majority of back pain issues can be treated without surgical intervention . Standard treatments can include physical or chiropractic therapy, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or joint injections. If you have disc problems or a condition such as osteoarthritis, then surgery may be required, according to the Mayo Clinic. It’s best to talk to your doctor to determine the cause of your back pain and figure out a course of treatment that will allow you to get on with your life.

Read Also: How To Lose Weight In Stomach Without Exercise

When To See A Doctor About Abdominal Pain

If your abdominal pain is concerning to you, dont hesitate to to set up an evaluation. You can also use this website to request an appointment.

Its likely that you or a loved one will suffer abdominal pain at some point during your life. Usually, you know what caused it. Maybe theres a bug going around the office or you ate something that didnt agree with you. In some cases, however, abdominal pain can signal a serious condition that requires medical intervention.

If you have any doubt about your abdominal pain, contact our office in Annapolis, Maryland. Our friendly staff at Digestive Disorders Associates can help schedule an appointment with one of our gastroenterologists if your symptoms suggest its the right step.

What Home Remedies Soothe Abdominal Pain In Adults

Abdominal pain without fever, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, passing out, chest pain, or other serious symptoms often get better without special treatment.

• If the pain persists or if a person believes the pain may represent a serious problem, they should see a doctor.
• A heating pad or soaking in a tub of warm water may ease the pain.
• Over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums, Maalox, or Pepto-Bismol, also can reduce some types of abdominal pain. Activated charcoal capsules also may help.
• Acetaminophen may help. This product should be avoided if liver disease is suspected. Patients should try to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen stomach or intestinal ulcer disease is suspected these drugs can make the pain worse.

Read Also: What Causes Bloating Belching And Stomach Pain

Don’t Miss: What Can You Do To Lose Weight In Your Stomach

When Should I See My Doctor

In some cases, you should seek urgent medical attention or consult a doctor if you have abdominal pain.

If you have a sudden, severe, incapacitating pain in your abdomen, go immediately to your nearest emergency department or call triple zero and ask for an ambulance.

You should also seek urgent medical attention if you have pain that:

• is severe and/or getting worse
• has lasted for several hours or more
• wakes you from sleep
• is spreading to your neck, chest or shoulders
• makes it difficult to swallow

Urgent medical attention is also required if you have abdominal pain accompanied by

• unexplained weight loss
• skin that appears yellow

If you are experiencing pain high up in your abdomen that is made worse by exercise it could be angina or a heart attack. If you, or someone near you is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call triple zero immediately and ask for an ambulance.

If you are pregnant and experiencing abdominal pain, check with your doctor or midwife. Abdominal pains are common in pregnancy, but should always be checked out.

If your abdominal pain does not match the situations above, but it is recurrent or persistent , or it started mild but is worsening, you should still consult a doctor.

Having Abdominal Pains When You Should Go To The Er

Virtually everyone experiences some form of stomach pain from time to time. In many cases, pain in the abdomen can be mild and harmless. However, some stomach pains particularly when they are severe or accompanied by additional symptoms may be indicative of a more serious problem that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. The expert team of board-certified emergency room physicians and professional medical staff at iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX utilize the most advanced diagnostic tools and treatment techniques available to help identify the cause of abdominal pain, provide rapid relief, and avoid further complication. Learn more about stomach pain here, including how to tell if your symptoms warrant a trip to the ER.

Recommended Reading: How To Stop An Anxiety Stomach Ache

The Pain Is Sudden Sharp And On One Side Of Your Pelvis Followed By Dull Pain In Your Lower Abdomen

Sometimes this specific type of stomach pain signals a ruptured ovarian cyst. Ovarian cysts are masses that often form from the follicles that are a key part of ovulation, per the Mayo Clinic. If a follicle grows in preparation for ovulation but doesnt actually burst to release an egg, as it should, that can create a cyst. Other times, cysts form when a follicle does burst but continues to accumulate fluid. Even though it sounds kind of bonkers, this isnt always an issue. Sometimes ovarian cysts dont cause any symptoms and eventually go away on their own, the Mayo Clinic explains. But if one bursts, it can hurt. A lot.

A ruptured ovarian cyst is associated with sharp pains, which will last for a whilefollowed by some dull pains, Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., a clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology and reproductive sciences at Yale Medical School, tells SELF. The pains are often on the side, but the lasting discomfort tends to be toward the middle. This can vary, thoughheres more of a deep dive into how ovarian cyst pain can present.

A ruptured ovarian cyst isnt necessarily a problem, but if its especially painful or if you also experience fever, vomiting, cold and clammy skin, rapid breathing, and lightheadedness, call your doctor to see if they can get your ovaries in line or address whatever else may be causing your stomach pain.

Related:

Stomach Pain: When Should You See A Doctor

Whether you call it a tummy ache, stomachache, or abdominal pain, everybody will experience discomfort in their belly region at some point. Despite the name stomachache, the pain can come from anywhere in your upper or lower abdomen.

Stomach pain could be caused by:

• Digestive issues â like gas or constipation
• Abdominal issues â like appendicitis or hernia
• Pelvic problems â like urinary tract infection or endometriosis
• Chest issues â like a heart attack or blood clots in the lungs

It can range from mild to severe, can come and go, can be long-term, and may or may not appear with other symptoms.

Because stomach pain can vary so much, it may not always be clear how to treat it. Home remedies and over-the-counter medications are popular for heartburn or indigestion, but how do you know if your pain is something more serious? How do you know when to call a doctor?

Recommended Reading: When Can Babies Start Sleeping On Their Stomach

What Are The Potential Complications Of Abdominal Pain

Complications of abdominal pain depend on the underlying cause, but can range from missed school or work to malnutrition to life-threatening infections. Getting an accurate diagnosis and following your treatment plan will help you avoid complications. Over time, abdominal pain can lead to serious complications including:

• Anemia due to blood loss

• Dehydration due to loss of fluids

Emergency Care May Be Necessary If You Are Experiencing The Following Symptoms

If the abdominal pain is severe and unrelenting, your stomach is tender to the touch, or if the pain extends to your back, you should immediately visit the closest emergency department. You should also seek emergency care if severe stomach pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms:

• A feeling of lightheadedness or that you could faint
• Dark or black stool
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain
• Unable to eat without vomiting

Recommended Reading: How Do I Lose My Stomach Pouch

What Causes Stomach Pain

Sometimes it can be exceedingly difficult to try to pinpoint the cause of stomach pain. There are many organs that reside within the abdomen, such as the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, large and small intestine, appendix (which is part of the large intestine, kidneys, spleen, and the stomach itself. There is also a chance that there is a parasitical, bacterial, or viral infection that may be affecting the stomach or surrounding areas. There is a long list of maybes when it comes to the causes of abdominal pain, however, the most common reasons for stomach pain include:

• Infection. Its not uncommon for an infection that is in your throat to extend to the digestive tract. You may also see changes in bowel habits from infection, such as sudden constipation or diarrhea.
• Menstrual cramps. Cramps from your period can cause stomach pain. While its more common to feel pain in the pelvic region, it can certainly radiate to the stomach as well.
• Stomach flu. Also known as gastroenteritis, the stomach flu can wreak havoc on your abdomen.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. Acid reflux happens when the contents of the stomach leak into the esophagus, causing heartburn and associated other symptoms, such as coughing or vomiting.
• Vomiting. If youre sick from food, the stomach flu, or other reason, vomiting can make the stomach muscles extremely sore. This usually passes in a day or two.
• Stress. Stress takes a toll on every portion of your body but particularly your stomach.

When Is Stomach Pain Serious

Occasionally, stomach pain is a sign of something serious.

Seek medical advice urgently if:

• Your stomach pain is severe
• The pain started quickly
• Youre vomiting blood
• Your poo is bloody or black, sticky and unusually smelly
• Youre unable to pee
• You cant poo or fart
• You have chest pain or trouble breathing
• You have diabetes and are vomiting
• You feel dizzy or have fainted/collapsed

A doctor will ask you about your symptoms and may do a physical exam, refer you for tests on your poo or blood, and make a plan to help you relieve your stomach pain.

Serious conditions like Crohns disease, irritable bowel disease, coeliac disease or cancer can also cause stomach pain. This type of pain is usually chronic and youll probably notice other symptoms like changes to your toilet habits and feeling tired or unwell.

Don’t Miss: How To Get Rid Of Stomach Fat In 30 Days