11 Problems That Could Be The Reason for Your Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a common complaint. Whether it's infrequent or you manage stomach pain regularly because of a chronic condition, finding relief can take some trial and error. 

Stomach pain is something we treat all of the time at Q&S Surgical, located in Lithonia or Decatur, Georgia. Luis A. Quinones, MD, and his team of experts provide diagnostic testing when needed. 

Frequent or severe pain, or pain that comes with unintentional weight loss, needs urgent evaluation to give you answers and guide you to the proper treatment. 

The next time abdominal pain strikes and you don’t know the cause, book an appointment with us. Our specialists can help you gain control over abdominal pain from some of the most common conditions that cause it, including the following.

1. Gallstones

Gallstones are a common issue. They’re solid deposits that develop and clog the bile ducts. 

Pain from gallstones tends to feel like it’s radiating from your upper abdomen into your back and shoulder. You can avoid them by lowering the fat and cholesterol in your diet.  The definitive treatment is a surgery to remove your gallbladder called a cholecystectomy.  Dr. Quinones performs this surgery in the least painful way, using the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System.  Please see our blog about gallstones here.

2. Hernias

Hernias occur when an organ or fatty tissue pushes against surrounding weak muscle, causing extreme pain, nausea, constipation, or bloating. Hernia pain ususally worsens when strain is put on the abdomen, such as heavy lifting or running. A hernia cannot heal on its own, it requires open or laparoscopic surgery.  Dr. Quinones uses the Da Vinci Surgical System to repair these hernias in the least painful way.  For more details please click here***add link to hernia portion of the website.

3. Diverticulitis

Diverticulitis affects tiny pouches inside your digestive tract. These pouches aren’t present in your body when you’re born, but they can develop as you get older. Not everyone with diverticula experiences symptoms, but you can experience pain when bacteria seep into the diverticula and cause inflammation.  You may need a surgery to remove the affected part of the colon, in the least painful way possible, using the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System.  If this is left untreated, you may require an emergency procedure, which may entail an open procedure and colostomy creation.

4. Appendicitis

Appendicitis manifests as pain in the right lower side of the abdomen, which is where the appendix is located. It’s a small finger-shaped organ attached to your colon. Sudden and severe pain in the area of your appendix is something you should never ignore. As the appendicitis inflammation worsens, so does the risk of a rupture. An appendectomy, the removal of the appendix, can be accomplished using the least invasive surgery technology available.  You guessed it, the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System.

5. Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease, a chronic condition, causes long-term inflammation in your lower digestive tract. Abdominal pain is one of many symptoms, including frequent diarrhea, fever, weight loss, reduced appetite, and rectal bleeding.  Medical treatment can control this condition, but if too much scar tissue is formed, you may need a surgery to either release the scar tissue or to remove the affected part of the intestine.

6. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

IBS is another chronic condition of the lower digestive tract. Frequent abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea are common symptoms.  Medical treatment controls this condition.

7. Digestive problems

It’s possible you’ve eaten something your stomach disagrees with. Food intolerances are a common cause of stomach pain and digestive symptoms like diarrhea and nausea. You can also experience stomach pain after getting food poisoning from food contaminated by bacteria and other germs.

If you consistently get stomach pain after you eat but aren’t sure why, keep a food diary to record what you eat, when you eat it, and when the stomach pain sets in. Food diaries help our specialists diagnose conditions like lactose intolerance.

8. Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis is more commonly known as stomach flu. It is caused by a virus and affects more than 20 million people each year. While it’s often too challenging to pinpoint when or where you contracted the stomach flu, it’s contagious and tends to spread in shared living or dining spaces like dormitories, school cafeterias, nursing homes, and cruise ships. 

9. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

GERD is the technical diagnosis for long-term and frequent acid reflux. Acid reflux can affect anyone and happens when the sphincter between your esophagus and stomach stops working as a barrier to stop stomach acid from flowing upward. The stomach acid irritates the lining of your esophagus, causing pain in your stomach, food regurgitation, and heartburn. 

10. Kidney stones

Similar to gallstones, kidney stones are solid deposits that develop in your kidneys. They cause radiating pain that feels like it starts in your lower back or side and often radiates into your abdomen. You can pass a kidney stone through your urinary system, but it’s not a comfortable experience. 

11. Reproductive health concerns

Abdominal pain and pelvic pain share a lot of features, and some health complications in your pelvis cause abdominal pain, too. During an evaluation, your specialist explores your symptoms and might consider or rule out menstrual cramps and other reproductive health concerns as causes of your pain. 

So, when should you see a doctor?

Some causes of abdominal pain are mild enough not to cause any distress beyond a missed day of work or an evening spent in the bathroom. Many of them go away after your immune and digestive systems collaborate to eliminate your symptoms. 

It’s time to see your specialist at Q&S Surgical when the pain keeps returning or worsens. You shouldn’t ignore any abdominal pain that lasts longer than a week. 

If you want answers about your abdominal pain, schedule an appointment at our nearest office by phone or online at your earliest convenience.