Abdominal pain is a common condition that affects people of all ages, including children. It is a discomfort that can range from sharp stabbing pain to moderate, mild, or severe aches. Abdominal pain occurs in your belly, from your chest to the pelvis area. Some abdominal pains are usually less severe and can be cured through healthy lifestyle habits and good hygiene. However, some can signal a more serious underlying condition, such as cancer. If you have chronic abdominal pain that does not go away or often recurs, contact a Cypress abdominal pain specialist to get relief from your symptoms. Learn more about chronic abdominal pain, its causes, and the best remedies that can help reduce symptoms.
What Causes Chronic Abdominal Pain?
Chronic abdominal pain can be caused by numerous conditions ranging from digestive inflammation to female reproductive issues. Depending on where the pain is localized, you might experience abdominal pain due to the type of food you constantly consume.
It can also result from an infection or an inflammation in your internal organs, causing chronic acid reflux, peptic ulcer disease, and stomach flu. Other causes of chronic abdominal pain include endometriosis, bowel obstruction, kidney stones, pancreatitis, ruptured ovarian cyst, Crohn’s disease, and cancer.
How Is Chronic Abdominal Pain Diagnosed?
If you have chronic abdominal pain, your healthcare provider might ask several personal questions to understand the medical history of your condition. They will also conduct several tests, including physical, pelvis, and rectal examinations.
Physical examinations might involve palpitations, inspection, percussion, and auscultation to see and listen to external and internal areas of your abdomen. A pelvic exam involves checking any signs of infection or growth on your vulva, uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes.
Your doctor might also conduct several blood and urine tests to determine the cause of your abdominal pain. Also, to keenly inspect your internal organs around your abdomen, your doctor might recommend several imaging tests such as colonoscopy, endoscopy, x-ray, ultrasound, and CT scan.
Which Home Treatments Can Help Manage Abdominal Pain?
Several home treatments can help manage chronic abdominal pain. Applying heat in the painful region and changing your diet can significantly reduce pain and muscle spasms in the abdomen. Avoiding foods and drinks that might cause bloating and gas accumulation can help manage persistent abdominal pain.
Decreasing stress levels by incorporating various relaxation techniques and getting plenty of sleep can help reduce the anxiety that might be causing abdominal pain. Drinking plenty of water daily and limiting your caffeine intake is also an excellent way to help manage chronic abdominal pain.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you have chronic abdominal pain that worsens over time and spreads to your back, you should seek immediate medical care from your doctor. Also, abdominal pain accompanied by blood-stained vomit or stool can signal a more severe condition that needs medical attention. Other symptoms that require immediate medical attention include:
- Persistent vomiting and diarrhea for more than a week
- Unexplained weight loss
- An enlarged painful, and hard stomach
- Fever, dizziness, and body weakness
Chronic abdominal pain can affect your daily life and ability to do simple tasks such as walking. If you have chronic abdominal pain affecting your quality of life, visit or contact GastroDoxs PLLC for treatment and advice on how you can improve your symptoms. Through our team of abdominal pain specialists, you can return to your everyday life in no time. Call or visit our North Houston, Texas offices today to schedule an appointment.
