Abdominal Pain

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is an uncomfortable feeling in your stomach or nearby areas. It can develop anywhere between your pelvis and ribs and may stem from problems with your stomach or surrounding organs. 

Numerous factors can contribute to stomach pain, ranging from illnesses to injuries and chronic diseases. Some causes can indicate a serious medical concern, so it’s important to get checked out if your discomfort is severe, comes and goes, or is ongoing.

KC Cares Med offers treatments for minor abdominal complaints to help you feel more comfortable or treat an underlying problem. 

What are the symptoms of abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain might present as:

• Sharp pain
• Dull ache
• Nausea
• Stomachache
• Cramping
• Burning

The pain could be mild or severe. You might also experience vomiting and/or diarrhea along with abdominal discomfort.

What can cause abdominal pain?

There are many possible causes of abdominal pain, such as:

• Digestive problems
• Flu or other illnesses
• Injuries 
• Appendicitis
• Gas 
• Diarrhea
• Constipation 
• Food allergies
• Gastrointestinal diseases 
• Acid reflux
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Menstrual cramping in women
• Gynecological concerns
• Bowel obstruction
• Chronic diseases
• Cancer
• Ulcers
• Bladder problems
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Hernia

The exact location of your pain and the type of discomfort you experience help Dr. Smith determine the root cause of abdominal discomfort.

How is the cause of abdominal pain diagnosed?

Dr. Smith investigates the cause of abdominal pain by discussing your medical history and symptoms, reviewing your lifestyle habits, and offering diagnostic tests. He may recommend a flu test, blood work, allergy testing, or imaging procedures. 

How is abdominal pain treated?

Your personalized treatment for abdominal pain may consist of:

• Rest 
• Fluids
• Diet or other lifestyle changes
• Allergy treatment
• Dietary supplements
• Intravenous (IV) fluids
• Over-the-counter medications
• Prescription medications
• Medical procedure

If you need surgery or a similar medical procedure or have cancer, Dr. Smith offers referrals. He follows up to ensure your treatment is effective and long-lasting. Call his office anytime with questions or if your symptoms change or worsen. 

Schedule an in-person or virtual abdominal pain evaluation at KC Cares Med by calling the office or requesting a visit online today.