Abdominal Pain in Utah
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Find a ProviderWhat is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain can be a tricky symptom to describe in exact words. Sometimes described as pain in the lower abdomen, upper abdominal pain, upper stomach pain, generalized pain in the stomach, etc., abdominal pain can present as any manner of discomfort in the area between the chest and the pelvis. It may be nonspecific and hard to explain. Many times, abdominal pain can be a minor issue, but it is important to pay attention to your body and any signals that it is sending you. There are multitudinous possible conditions or contributing factors in regard to the root of your stomach pain. If you suffer from frequent stomach troubles, it might be time to see a physician who offers treatment for abdominal pain in Utah. You can connect with a gastroenterology specialist in your area by contacting Utah Gastroenterology.
What are the causes of abdominal pain?
There are many reasons why you might experience abdominal pain, some of which are relatively minor. These frequently involve:
- Constipation
- Difficulty with digestion (dyspepsia)
- Food allergies (such as lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance). Common food allergies include nuts, shellfish, fish, milk, and eggs.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Pain often occurs in the lower abdomen but can be in any portion of the abdomen. Pain may increase shortly after eating.
- A potential stomach virus: This could be a stomach flu or other virus.
- Food poisoning: A foodborne illness due to toxins in food from bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
- Gas
Additional and potentially more serious conditions that also cause abdominal pain include:
- Crohn's disease: An inflammatory disease of the intestines that results in frequent diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Insufficient supply of blood to the intestines (intestinal ischemia): This could be due to a blocked blood vessel and could affect intestinal health.
- Ulcerative colitis: Inflammatory bowel disease that can result in abdominal and rectal cramping and pain.
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease): This occurs when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus. Symptoms can involve recurring heartburn.
- Ulcers: Sores in the lining of the stomach that can result in abdominal pain.
- Bowel blockage or obstruction: Inability of digested material to pass through the bowel.
- Appendicitis: Swelling of the appendix. This can feel like a dull pain in one's abdomen that transfers to the lower right abdomen and becomes sharper.
- Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis): Symptoms present with severe pain in one's back and side from the lower abdomen to the groin.
- Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder that presents as severe pain in the upper right or center of the abdomen.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation in the pancreas. Pain is experienced in the upper abdomen, radiating to the back.
- Cancer of the stomach: Symptoms might include pain and unusual "fullness" in the upper abdomen.
- Colon cancer: Symptoms could include severe and lengthy pain in the abdomen, and/or change in bowel habits.
- Diverticulitis: Infection/swelling of the colon. This could progress to bowel blockage and abdominal inflammation.
What is the cause of lower abdominal pain?
You may sometimes experience pain that is localized in the lower abdomen. Some of the most common sources of pain in the lower abdomen include:
- Constipation: The inability to pass and/or difficulty passing stool.
- Hernia: When another part of the body or organ forces its way into the wall of the abdomen.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Common disorder affecting the large intestine.
- Lactose intolerance: The inability to fully digest lactose found in dairy.
- Gas: Feels like pressure in your abdomen and can include burping and flatulence.
- IBD (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis): A term describing any chronic swelling in the digestive tract.
- Celiac disease (celiac sprue): Triggered response of the body to gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye.
- Flu (stomach flu): Infection of the intestines. Can manifest as cramping, nausea, and fever.
- Bowel blockage: The prevention of digested material from making its way through the intestine.
- Diverticulitis: Swelling or infection of the walls of the intestines.
- Indigestion: Discomfort resulting from indigestion in one's lower abdomen is unusual and a result of a buildup of acid following eating.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix. This could resemble a dull pain in the abdomen that moves to the lower right abdomen and becomes worse.
When should I go to the hospital for abdominal pain?
If you or a member of your family has severe abdominal pain accompanied by any of the conditions below, you may require emergency care as soon as possible. Abdominal pain should most certainly be treated by an emergency physician without delay if:
- Pain travels from your stomach to your back
- Your stomach is excessively tender to the touch
- Your abdominal pain is accompanied by a fever
- Bloody urine or bloody stool
- Trouble breathing or pain in your chest
- Inability to eat without vomiting
- Blood in your vomit
- Irregular heartbeat
The best guideline is to not take any risks. If your stomach pain is recurring and perhaps not severe, meeting with your nearest GI physician may still be necessary. Our talented physicians commonly provide treatment for individuals with abdominal pain in Utah and are ready to help you with your GI concerns. Blood in the stool should never be ignored and should be evaluated by a medical practitioner. If you have blood in your stool, we urge you to get in touch with Utah Gastroenterology immediately.
Treatment for abdominal pain
Because abdominal pain is associated with such a large range of gastrointestinal conditions, we recommend consulting an experienced gastroenterologist who can diagnose the cause of your discomfort. The compassionate group of gastroenterologists at Utah Gastroenterology aims to provide the highest standard of patient-centric care. As leaders in digestive health, our specialists are able to perform a range of diagnostic tests and provide treatment for a great number of conditions that are responsible for abdominal pain. To connect with a doctor who offers treatment for abdominal pain in Utah, please contact our office immediately to make an appointment.
Abdominal Pain Videos
Reviews
Very informative and professional. Very knowledgeable on the subject matter.
Don’t put off seeing a G I doctor because you think you’ll be uncomfortable. They have a very professional and humorous approach in helping you with your problems. My daughter has also gone to them and she was really nervous.
I saw Allison Sabin for some abdominal pain I was having. She was very thorough and professional. She listened to all of my concerns and answered all my questions. I would definitely recommend her.
Very understanding and wants to get to the bottom of the problems.
Despite my Google name, my name is Jenea G.A. I have been a patient of Dr. Maxwell’s for about three years. He got me on track and got my gut healing a couple of years ago but I have found myself struggling again. I have been struggling for months with vomiting and nausea and severe stomach pain. I had switched insurances and so I was with other doctors. When I found out that Dr. Maxwell takes my insurance I started to cry. I met with Dr. Maxwell this past week and left with more help than I’ve had in months. THANK YOU!! I was reassured because he had gotten me in shape before. I know we can do this, and I am so grateful for such an incredible doctor and would recommend him to anyone. He cares.
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