Common questions / 29/04/2020

Do you need to see a doctor for stomach pain?

Stomach pain can be tricky for even the best doctors to diagnose, so if all you’re armed with is Google, M.D., sussing out what’s causing your discomfort can be hard. For starters, stomach pain is a pretty broad description.

When does stomach pain become an urgent medical problem?

These emergencies usually cause very noticeable and often intolerable signs and symptoms. Your stomach pain is probably a sign of an urgent medical problem if: You are pregnant. Your pain started within a week of having abdominal surgery or a gastrointestinal procedure (even a diagnostic endoscopy)

Why does my stomach hurt after a bowel movement?

Abdominal pain is usually caused by minor problems such as constipation, trapped gas, or eating something that didn’t agree with you, like a high dairy meal or a spice that you aren’t used to. Waiting a few hours, having a bowel movement, or passing gas usually helps.

What to do when stomach pain is not an emergency?

When Your Stomach Pain Is Not an Emergency. Often, eating raw fruit, vegetables, beans, or high-fiber cereal can help. Use a hot water bottle or heating pad. This may help to soothe your pain. Place the pad on your abdomen for half-hour intervals and be sure to use a towel under the pad to protect your skin.

When to go to the doctor for abdominal pain?

Let your doctor know right away if you or your child has: Severe pain. Blood in your stool, vomit, or pee. Trouble swallowing. Nausea that doesn’t go away. Yellow-looking skin. Swelling in your stomach.

When is stomach pain is and is not an emergency?

These emergencies usually cause very noticeable and often intolerable signs and symptoms. Your stomach pain is probably a sign of an urgent medical problem if: Your pain started within a week of having abdominal surgery or a gastrointestinal procedure (even a diagnostic endoscopy)

Who is the best Gastroenterologist for stomach pain?

Emmy Ludwig, MD, is board-certified in gastroenterology and hepatology. She practices at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Stomach pain can have a variety of causes, some of which you can address by resting, avoiding heavy and spicy foods, taking medication, or using a heating pad.

When does stomach pain start after abdominal surgery?

Your pain started within a week of having abdominal surgery or a gastrointestinal procedure (even a diagnostic endoscopy) Your pain started shortly after you experienced severe abdominal trauma Your stomach pain may be mild in the beginning, and then you may develop associated symptoms after a few hours.

What kind of doctor should I See for digestive issues?

Depending on the condition you’re dealing with, a gastroenterologist may be able to prescribe a range of medications that can alleviate symptoms.

When to see a doctor for a bloated stomach?

Along with feeling full, gassy and having pain in your abdomen, you should check if your bloated stomach occurs simultaneously with other symptoms throughout the body. ( 1) This can clue you in on what’s causing the problem and whether it might be serious enough to warrant a doctor’s visit.

What kind of doctor should I See for constipation?

Problems with bloating, constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain and more may warrant a visit with a gastroenterologist.

Who is the best ER doctor for stomach pain?

As a follow-up to “ER or Not: Severe Stomach Pain,” emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen takes us step-by-step through what physicians do when a patient with abdominal pain comes into the ER and what signs you can look for at home when deciding whether to go to the hospital.

What causes stomach pain and when to see a doctor?

Causes of Stomach Pain and Treatment Options 1 Upper Gastrointestinal Tract. Besides your run-of-the-mill stomach bug or the occasional bout… 2 Lower Gastrointestinal Tract. Constipation is very common and often associated with uncomfortable… 3 Both GI Tracts. Some health conditions that cause perceived stomach pain may affect both…

Depending on the condition you’re dealing with, a gastroenterologist may be able to prescribe a range of medications that can alleviate symptoms.

How to find out if you have a stomachache?

So the first thing I’m going to do of course is find out more about the stomachache, when did it start, where does it hurt. Have there been any other symptoms with it like fever or any pain elsewhere, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain with urination, any blood in the urine or in the stool.

When to go to the ER for stomach pain?

Vomiting or constipation or diarrhea along with the pain also indicate it’s time to go to the emergency room. “If the pain is persistent and comes on rather suddenly over several hours or a day you should be seen by a doctor that day,” says Arthur. Appendicitis often requires surgery. If left untreated, a ruptured appendix can be deadly.

When to know if your stomach pain is heart related?

If you develop an aching or stabbing pain or pressure in the upper abdominal area just under the ribs, this may indicate a heart-related problem, says Kristine Arthur, MD, internist at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. “This is particularly true if the pain persists or you have other symptoms like shortness of breath.

How to know if your stomach pain is IBS?

The pain becomes worse after eating, lasts 30 to 60 minutes and may come and go, becoming more constant and severe over time, says Singh. 2 Crampy pain with diarrhea or constipation. Lower “crampy” abdominal pain accompanied by bloating and diarrhea or constipation can be signs of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), says Singh.

When do you know your stomach pain is an emergency?

Your stomach pain is probably a sign of an urgent medical problem if: You are pregnant Your pain started within a week of having abdominal surgery or a gastrointestinal procedure (even a diagnostic endoscopy)

When to see a doctor for stomach churning?

1 stomach churning 2 indigestion 3 nausea 4 appetite loss 5 constipation 6 diarrhea 7 peptic ulcers 8 IBS

Why do I have so much pain in my upper stomach?

A cause of upper stomach pain may be gas. Gas occurs naturally in the intestines and digestive tract. When this gas accumulates, it can cause feelings of pressure, bloating, or fullness. An infection, virus, diarrhea, or constipation can cause gas pain to become very intense. Gas may be the culprit if: The pain comes in waves.

When to see a doctor for abdominal pain?

When to See a Doctor for Abdominal Pain. Abdominal pain is a relatively common symptom that often needs no treatment. But there are also some serious conditions that cause abdominal pain which shouldn’t be ignored. They may require medical attention and, in some cases, even emergency care.

What does it mean when you have stomach pain?

IBS is characterized by stomach pain and gas, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea. Medical professionals generally recommend changes to a person’s diet and lifestyle in managing IBS and relieving symptoms.

When to see a doctor for a GI problem?

“Pain with drinking water can be a sign of a serious GI problem,” says Jeffrey S. Crespin, MD, a gastroenterologist and clinical assistant professor at NYU. Your doctor will also want to know if your swallowing problems come with a side of coughing, hoarseness, hiccupping, or feeling full after only a few bites of food.

What do you need to know about stomach conditions?

Stomach Conditions 1 Your stomach’s role in digestion. When you swallow, food travels down your esophagus, passes the lower esophageal sphincter, and enters your stomach. 2 Gastroesophageal reflux disease. 3 Gastritis. 4 Peptic ulcer. 5 Viral gastroenteritis. 6 Hiatal hernia. 7 Gastroparesis. 8 Stomach cancer. …

Which doctor should I See for digestive issues?

A gastroenterologist is an expert in digestive health and issues related to the stomach, intestines, and bowels, but also includes a number of other organs related to the entire digestive tract. A lot happens between the time food enters your mouth until it is excreted from your body as waste.

What kind of Doctor treats stomach?

A gastroenterologist is an internal medicine doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. This includes diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, bile ducts, colon and rectum.

What kind of Doctor treats intestinal issues?

A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in treating the digestive system. When patients experience problems with the gallbladder, stomach, intestines, or pancreas, they often visit a gastroenterologist in order to receive medical treatment.

What is specialist for stomach issues?

Stomach Doctor is called Gastroenterologist. They specialise in treating issues related with gastrointestinal tract. They study the movement of food through oesophagus, small intestine, stomach, pancreas, bile ducts, colon, rectum, liver & gallbladder.

Why does my stomach hurt when I have gas?

When this gas accumulates, it can cause feelings of pressure, bloating, or fullness. An infection, virus, diarrhea, or constipation can cause gas pain to become very intense. Gas may be the culprit if: The pain comes in waves. The pain causes the stomach to swell. It feels like something is moving in the stomach.

What should I do if my stomach pain keeps coming back?

Your doctor could also suggest lifestyle changes like eating different foods or finding ways to manage stress. Often, a mix of different things helps. If your belly pain keeps coming back for 6 months and your doctor can’t find a medical reason why, you may have functional abdominal pain.

Is it normal for my stomach to hurt all the time?

Most causes of abdominal pain aren’t worrisome, and your doctor can easily diagnose and treat the problem. Sometimes, though, it can be a sign of a serious illness. Learn which symptoms to watch out for and when you should get medical help. What Are the Most Common Causes of Abdominal Pain?

For instance, eat smaller meals if your pain is accompanied by indigestion. Avoid taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) because these can cause stomach irritation that may worsen abdominal pain.

When to call 911 if your stomach hurts?

Call 911 right away if your belly hurts because you had a recent injury there or if you have any chest pain. You should also contact her as soon as you can if you have symptoms along with the pain, such as: Your belly is tender to the touch. Pain lasts more than a few hours.

What should I do if I have pain in my abdominal area?

Abdominal bloating and pain treatments. Treatments for abdominal bloating and pain will address the underlying condition. Examples may include antibiotics for infections. If an intestinal obstruction is the cause, your doctor may encourage bowel rest by decreasing oral intake.

Is it normal to have bloating and pain in the abdomen?

Stomach viruses usually go away with rest and home care. This guide lists the organs associated with different locations of abdominal bloating or pain: This part of the abdomen contains a portion of the body of your stomach, the tail of the pancreas, and your spleen. The spleen is an organ that filters blood and supports the immune system.

What causes severe abdominal pain with no symptoms?

It commonly causes no symptoms at all but some people have an ongoing lower abdominal aching, and it can also cause flares of more severe pain which require treatment with painkillers and antibiotics. See the separate leaflet called Diverticula (Diverticulosis, Diverticular Disease, Diverticulitis) for more details.

Why do I have a lot of abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain has many potential causes. The most common causes — such as gas pains, indigestion or a pulled muscle — usually aren’t serious. Other conditions may require more-urgent medical attention. While the location and pattern of abdominal pain can provide important clues, its time course is particularly useful when determining its…

How to know if your abdominal pain is mental or physical?

Realizing that your abdominal pain always crops up around moments of fear, stress, or anxiety can help you figure out that your emotions are behind the discomfort. If you already know you have anxiety but are having a hard time managing this symptom, talk to your doctor or therapist to see if any tweaks in your treatment may help.

What to do if you have pain in your upper abdomen?

Placing an ice pack on the area, for example, can help ease symptoms of muscle strain. Just remember that taking aspirin or ibuprofen can cause stomach irritation, which can make abdominal pain worse. But, if your upper abdomen pain is severe or lasts for more than a few days, you should make an appointment with your doctor.

When to call the ambulance for a stomach ache?

A stomach ache is cramps or a dull ache in the tummy (abdomen). It usually does not last long and is often not serious. Severe abdominal pain is a greater cause for concern. Complete our self-help guide to check your symptoms and find out what to do next. If not, phone 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Why does my stomach hurt when I have a bowel movement?

The symptoms of abdominal pain when related to constipation may include: Constipation that includes abdominal pain is common. In most cases, it’s caused by gas buildup in the abdomen or from the need to have a bowel movement. Mild or moderate abdominal pain and constipation together isn’t usually cause for concern. What are the causes?

When to see Doctor for abdominal pain and constipation?

Abdominal pain and constipation are common symptoms. A number of lifestyle and medical causes can lead to these symptoms. If symptoms don’t clear up or get worse, it’s important that you see your doctor. Your doctor will work to find and treat the underlying cause.

When to be concerned about a stomach ache?

Stomach ache and abdominal pain. A stomach ache is a term often used to refer to cramps or a dull ache in the tummy (abdomen). It’s usually short-lived and is often not serious. Severe abdominal pain is a greater cause for concern. If it starts suddenly and unexpectedly, it should be regarded as a medical emergency,…