Abdominal Pain
Beverly Hills Gastroenterologist
Abdominal pain is something almost everyone has experienced at some point in their lives, as it is very common. More often than not, the reason for the pain is nothing to worry about. However, there are times where abdominal pain can be a symptom of more serious gastrointestinal problems or other illnesses. It’s important to see a GI specialist if your abdominal pain is severe.
You should visit a medical professional if your abdominal pain is accompanied by:
- Bloody or uncomfortable stools
- Constipation
- Tenderness to the touch
- Difficulty breathing
- Frequent vomiting
- Heartburn
Causes of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain or discomfort is often felt in the stomach below the ribs and above the pelvis and can be the result of many different conditions. The diagnosis is based on the characteristics, an examination, and testing. The causes of the pain are categorized by the corresponding location in your stomach where the discomfort is felt.
The areas of the discomfort and the associated potential causes include:
- RUQ (Right Upper Quadrant): Pneumonia, gallstones, gastritis, or liver lesions
- LUQ (Left Upper Quadrant): Ulcers, gastritis, pancreatitis, or pneumonia
- RLQ (Right Lower Quadrant): Appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease, or Crohn’s disease
- LLQ (Left Lower Quadrant): Hernia, pyelonephritis, or diverticulitis
- Epigastrium: Pancreatitis, esophagitis, ulcers, stomach cancer, or gallstones
- Mid Abdomen: Early appendicitis, small bowel obstruction, or abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Sub-Umbilical: Inflammatory bowel disease, urinary tract infection, ovarian cysts
Having stomach pain in one of these particular areas doesn’t necessarily mean that you have one of these conditions. However, it’s important to see a GI specialist if you experience intense abdominal pain before the condition worsens.
Testing & Treating Abdominal Pain
A thorough examination by a medical professional is the first step to discovering the cause of your abdominal pain. A gastroenterologist can perform the exam after discussing your symptoms and perform testing if necessary.
Some tests a specialist may use to diagnose the condition include:
- Endoscopic exam
- Blood test
- Stool test
- Urine test
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will decide on the appropriate treatment. Some options include anti-inflammatory medications, antibiotics, or a change in diet. On some occasions, surgery may be a possibility.
Let Us Eliminate Your Abdominal Discomfort
The first step to relief from your stomach pain is to make an appointment with one of our Beverly Hills gastroenterologists at Center for GI Health. We will talk about your options, answer any questions you may have, and ultimately provide relief from your pain. Contact our office today at (310) 657-4444 for an appointment.
