Abdominal Pain in Kansas City, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat is abdominal pain?
People often have a hard time finding the words to explain abdominal pain. It can be described as pain in the lower abdomen, upper abdominal pain, pain in the upper stomach, generalized pain in the stomach, etc. Abdominal pain can manifest as any form of discomfort in the area between the pelvis and the chest. It might seem vague and difficult to put into words. A lot of the time, pain in your abdomen can be a small issue, but it is still important to listen to your body and the messages that it is trying to send to you. There can be numerous possible conditions or reasons as to why you may be experiencing stomach pain. If you have had frequent here-and-there stomach concerns, it may be time to consult with a provider who offers care for abdominal pain in Kansas City, MO. You can locate a GI provider in your area by contacting Digestive Health Specialists.
What causes abdominal pain?
Abdominal or stomach pain can be due to any number of less serious issues. These commonly are:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Pain often occurs in the lower abdomen but can be in any portion of the abdomen. Pain may intensify soon after eating.
- Bloating
- Allergies to foods (such as gluten intolerance or lactose intolerance). Common food allergies include nuts, milk, fish, eggs, and shellfish.
- Difficulty passing hard stool
- Poisoning from food: A foodborne illness due to toxins in food from parasites, bacteria. or viruses. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
- A potential stomach virus: This could be a stomach flu or other virus.
- Indigestion (dyspepsia)
Other potentially more serious conditions that present with abdominal pain are:
- Diverticulitis: Infection/swelling of the colon. This might be the cause of bowel obstruction and abdominal inflammation.
- Insufficient supply of blood to the intestines (intestinal ischemia): This may be due to a blocked blood vessel and could affect intestinal function.
- Colon cancer: Symptoms could include extreme and persistent abdominal pain, and/or change in bowel habits.
- Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder that can present as severe discomfort in the upper right or center of the abdomen.
- Ulcers: Sores in the lining of the stomach, which can result in pain in the abdomen.
- Cancer of the stomach: Symptoms can include pain and an unusual feeling of “fullness” in the upper abdomen.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation in the appendix. This can feel like a dull pain in one's abdomen that transfers to the lower right abdomen and becomes sharper.
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease): Occurs when stomach acid pushes backwards into the esophagus. Symptoms can involve recurring heartburn.
- Bowel obstruction or blockage: Prevention of digested waste from passing through the bowel.
- Ulcerative colitis: IBS which can result in abdominal and rectal cramping and pain.
- Crohn’s disease: An inflammatory disease of the intestines that results in abdominal pain and frequent diarrhea.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation in the pancreas. Pain can be felt from the upper abdomen, radiating to the back.
- Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis): Symptoms manifest as extreme pain in one's back and side from the groin to the lower abdomen.
What are the causes of lower abdominal pain?
In some cases, abdominal pain can be isolated to the lower portion of the abdominal area. Some of the most common root causes of pain in the lower abdomen include:
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix. This can resemble a dull pain in the abdomen that moves to the lower right abdomen and becomes sharper.
- Constipation: The inability to pass and/or difficulty passing stool.
- Hernia: When another body part or organ pushes into the abdominal wall.
- Celiac disease (celiac sprue): Adverse reaction to to gluten, found in rye, wheat, and barley.
- Flu (stomach flu): Infection of the intestines. Can present with cramping, nausea, and fever.
- Irritable bowel disorder (Ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease): A term describing any chronic swelling in the digestive tract.
- Gas: Presents as the sensation of pressure in your abdomen and can include burping and flatulence.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Common disorder affecting the colon.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of the intestinal wall.
- Indigestion: Pain resulting from indigestion in the lower abdomen is unusual and a result of a buildup of acid following eating.
- Bowel blockage: The stoppage of digested waste from traveling through the intestine.
- Lactose intolerance: The inability to fully digest lactose found in dairy.
When should I go to the hospital for abdominal pain?
If you are having extreme unceasing abdominal pain in tandem with any of the below listed conditions, emergency intervention might be required. Abdominal pain should be treated by an emergency physician without delay if:
- Pain extends from the stomach to your back
- Your stomach is very tender to the touch
- You have a fever associated with your abdominal pain
- Bloody urine or bloody stool
- A difficult time breathing or pain in your chest
- Unable to eat without vomiting
- Blood in your vomit
- Unusual heartbeat
The best guideline is that it is better to be safe than sorry. If the pain in your stomach is recurring and maybe not excruciating, meeting with your nearest gastrointestinal physician could still be necessary. Our talented professionals routinely provide treatment for people with abdominal pain in Kansas City, MO and can help you with your GI issues. Blood in your stool should always be addressed and should be evaluated by a medical practitioner. Should you have blood in your stool, please connect with Digestive Health Specialists today.
Treatment of abdominal pain
Due to the multitude of abdominal pain causes, the most effective and efficient method for treating abdominal pain is to seek a diagnosis from a gastrointestinal specialist. The experienced group of gastroenterologists at Digestive Health Specialists aspires to provide the highest standard of patient-centric care. As experts in GI health, our providers are able to perform an array of diagnostic tests and give treatment for a wide variety of conditions that are responsible for abdominal pain. To meet with a specialist who provides treatment for abdominal pain in Kansas City, MO, please contact our office without delay to book a meeting.
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Dr. Chen has been performing my colonscopes many times throughout the years, and I trust him 100% with my health. He is extremely knowledgeable and his bedside manner is terrific!
I had my fist visit last week. He started the lung me all the symptoms I have been experiencing for the last 4 years then asked if that sounded like what was going on? I said sure was and he put together a treatment plan right ther on the first appointment. I’m impressed.
Dr Doran is a very good Dr. He listen to everything I had to say and took his time. Didn't feel rushed like most Dr. often do.
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