Abdominal Pain Specialist

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain includes any discomfort that affects your belly or tummy, which is the area of the body that runs from the chest to the groin. There are many types of abdominal pain, which may help pinpoint the underlying cause.

Types of abdominal pain include:

Generalized abdominal pain

With generalized abdominal pain, the discomfort affects more than half your abdominal area. This type of pain may be a symptom of a viral or bacterial infection or gas. 

Localized abdominal pain

Localized abdominal pain means the discomfort affects one specific area. This type of pain may be a sign of gallbladder disease or appendicitis. 

Colicky abdominal pain

Colicky abdominal pain is a type of discomfort that comes in waves and may develop from conditions such as kidney stones. 

Crampy abdominal pain

Crampy abdominal pain usually occurs with gas, bloating, and diarrhea and is often a symptom of an acute gastrointestinal condition such as gastroenteritis. 

What causes abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain may occur from any number of causes. At GI Specialists of Houston, LLP, the gastroenterologists utilize advanced medical tools to find the underlying cause of discomfort.

Common gastrointestinal conditions that cause abdominal pain include:

• Gastritis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
• Liver disease
• Colorectal cancer
• Gallbladder disease
• Pancreatitis
• Diverticulitis
• Biliary problems
• Gastroenteritis
• Food intolerance or allergies

In most cases, abdominal pain isn’t a serious medical issue. However, the team at GI Specialists of Houston, LLP, recommends you schedule a consultation if your abdominal pain is severe, fails to improve within a few days, or is an ongoing problem. 

What happens during an abdominal pain consultation?

When you visit GI Specialists of Houston, LLP, for an abdominal pain evaluation, your gastroenterologist conducts a comprehensive exam to find the root cause of your discomfort.

They review your symptoms and medical history and conduct a physical exam. They also run diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out a diagnosis, such as blood work, urinalysis, stool testing, upper endoscopy, or colonoscopy. 

How is abdominal pain treated?

The team at GI Specialists of Houston, LLP, develops individualized treatment plans for abdominal pain based on the underlying cause. Treatment may include:

• Diet modification
• Antibiotics
• Antidiarrheal medication
• Disease-specific medication
• Surgical intervention

Whatever your need, the experts at GI Specialists of Houston, LLP, can provide the right care. 

To schedule your abdominal pain evaluation, call GI Specialists of Houston, LLP, or click the online booking button to schedule an appointment today.