Occasional stomach aches and digestive discomfort are common experiences, but persistent or severe abdominal pain could indicate an underlying issue that requires medical attention from experts like abdominal pain Great Neck doctors.
To evaluate your condition, the doctor will conduct a comprehensive physical examination and inquire about your symptoms and medical history. They will want to know the characteristics of your pain—whether it’s mild or intense, burning or aching, and so on—as well as its frequency, location, and duration.
This detailed description aids the doctor in diagnosing the cause of your abdominal discomfort. The specific area of your pain can also offer diagnostic clues. Here’s a general guide to what certain pain locations may suggest:
General Abdominal Pain: Potential causes include appendicitis, urinary tract infections, Crohn’s disease, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Upper Abdomen: Conditions such as GERD, gallstones, pancreatitis, or a heart attack may be the culprits.
Middle Abdomen: This could be due to pancreatitis, appendicitis, intestinal obstruction, or thoracic aortic aneurysm.
Lower Abdomen: Pain in this area might be linked to diverticulitis, appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, or salpingitis (inflammation of the fallopian tubes).
Upper Left Abdomen: Possible causes are shingles, spleen infections, heart attacks, or hiatal hernias.
Lower Left Abdomen: Conditions such as Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or kidney stones may be responsible.
Upper Right Abdomen: Cholangitis (bile duct inflammation), hepatitis, fecal impaction, or peptic ulcers could be causing the pain.
Lower Right Abdomen: Cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), ovarian cysts, appendicitis, or gastroenteritis may be the underlying issues.
Diagnostic Procedures for Abdominal Pain
To pinpoint the cause of your abdominal discomfort, your healthcare provider may recommend a variety of tests. These can include urine, blood, and stool analyses, as well as imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds, barium enemas, and endoscopies.
Treatment Options for Abdominal Pain
Your treatment plan will be tailored to the underlying cause of your abdominal pain. Here are some common approaches:
Over-the-Counter Remedies for Abdominal Pain:
– Simethicone-containing medications: Useful for gas-related discomfort or bloating.
– Antacids and Acid Reducers: For symptoms like belching, feeling of fullness, or acid reflux.
– Laxatives or Stool Softeners: To relieve constipation-induced bloating.
Note: It’s advisable to avoid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as they can aggravate stomach issues.
Prescription Treatments for Abdominal Pain:
Certain conditions may warrant prescription medications, such as:
– Steroids: To alleviate pain and inflammation in conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
– Proton Pump Inhibitors: For disorders exacerbated by stomach acid, such as ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
– Antibiotics: For bacterial infections or ulcers linked to H. pylori bacteria.
Surgical Interventions for Abdominal Pain:
If diagnostic tests reveal that your abdominal pain stems from conditions like gallstones, kidney stones, blockages in the ducts or intestines, or appendicitis, surgical procedures may be necessary. Surgery may also be indicated for female reproductive issues such as ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, or blocked fallopian tubes.
