Abdominal pain is a common complaint, affecting about 1 in 10 people each year. In Brooklyn, New York, gastroenterologists and internal medicine experts can help you know the source of the pain. The most common cause of abdominal pain is the stomach flu, but other more serious conditions can also cause it. If you experience any of these symptoms along with your abdominal pain, contact a specialist in abdominal pain in Brooklyn as soon as possible to find out what’s wrong.
Table of Contents
1. Bloody Stools
Bloody stools are a sign that there may be something seriously wrong with your digestive system. The most common cause of bloody stools is a stomach ulcer, but other conditions such as bowel cancer can also cause them. If you experience bloody stools, seek treatment right away.
If you experience bloody stools, your doctor will likely perform a physical examination and order some tests to determine the cause of the bleeding. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause but may include antibiotics, minimally-invasive surgery, or radiation therapy.
2. Persistent Vomiting
Persistent vomiting can signify several severe medical conditions, including food poisoning, a stomach ulcer, or even pancreatitis. If you’re repeatedly vomiting and can’t keep anything down, contact your doctor for an evaluation.
Vomiting is caused by the body’s response to an irritating agent like a virus or other illness. It can also be triggered by food poisoning, swallowing stomach acid, excessive consumption of alcohol, severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disease. Treatment varies from supportive care in less severe cases to surgery and chemotherapy in more severe cases.
3. Persistent Diarrhea
Persistent diarrhea can signify several major medical conditions, including food poisoning, Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, and intestinal parasites. If you have diarrhea that lasts for more than a week, contact your doctor for an evaluation.
Diarrhea is caused by the body’s attempt to get rid of the offending agent, usually a virus, bacteria, or parasite. It can also be caused by overeating dairy, fatty foods, or sugary foods. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics, anti-parasitic medications, dietary changes, and surgery.
4. Severe Abdominal Pain
Severe abdominal pain can signify many different serious conditions, including appendicitis, pancreatitis, and a ruptured ovarian cyst. If you’re experiencing severe pain in your abdomen, don’t wait to see if it goes away – contact your doctor right away for an evaluation.
Your doctor will go through your medical record to understand the cause of your pain. They will ask you about the pain and when it occurs. Your doctor may also order some tests to determine the cause of the pain. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause but may include surgery, medication, or a change in diet.
5. Fever
A fever can signify several different medical conditions, including a stomach virus, food poisoning, or even meningitis. If you have a fever along with abdominal pain, contact your doctor to find out what’s wrong. The treatment of fever will depend on the underlying cause.
Abdominal pain can be caused by various things, from the stomach flu to more serious conditions like Crohn’s disease or pancreatitis. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, along with abdominal pain, it’s essential to contact your doctor immediately for an evaluation. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause but may include antibiotics, surgery, or medication.