What causes abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain can be acute, meaning it comes on suddenly, or it can be chronic, bothering you over several days or weeks. If you have acute abdominal pain, it could be caused by:
- Organ inflammation, such as pancreatitis, appendicitis, or cholecystitis
- Urinary tract infection (UTI) or bladder infection
- Gallstones or kidney stones
- Pregnancy complications
- Bowel obstruction
- Ovarian cysts
But if you have chronic abdominal pain that hasn’t resolved after several days or that continues to worsen, it may stem from:
- Menstrual cramps
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Diverticulitis or gastritis
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
You can even experience abdominal pain because of muscle strains or circulatory problems. Because many issues can cause your abdominal pain and some causes may be urgent, don’t hesitate another day to see a doctor.
When should I see a doctor for abdominal pain?
The dedicated providers at Pinnacle Health Group encourage you to have a comprehensive examination at the first sign of abdominal pain (seek emergency medical attention if abdominal pain is sudden or severe). It’s particularly important to come to the clinic if your abdominal pain is:
- Associated with pregnancy
- Lasting for several hours or days
- Linked to vaginal or rectal bleeding
- Causing constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting
- Making it uncomfortable for you to go to the bathroom
You should also come into Pinnacle Health Group if you have a fever or chills alongside your abdominal pain since these could be signs of an infection. The team offers same-day and even walk-in visits, so you can start treatment right away.
How is abdominal pain treated?
At Pinnacle Health Group, your practitioner has access to in-house digital X-ray and ultrasound technology, so they can get any essential images they need and quickly diagnose you. They may also order labs — urinalysis or blood testing — to get to the root of why you have abdominal pain. Once your abdominal pain is diagnosed, your doctor gets you started on treatment, which may include:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids
- Antibiotic medication
- Dietary counseling
- Painkillers
- Antacids
If surgery is needed to treat your abdominal pain, the compassionate team at Pinnacle Health Group partners with several local top-rated surgeons to ensure you receive the treatment you need. Pinnacle Health Group providers care for you throughout your preoperative and postoperative stages.
Book your abdominal pain evaluation at Pinnacle Health Group today. You can conveniently schedule an appointment either online or over the phone.
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