Abdominal Pain

We’ve all experienced abdominal pain at some point in our lives. Sometimes, abdominal pain feels like a dull, uncomfortable ache that sticks with you throughout your day. At other times, you may experience sharp, stabbing pain that stops you in your tracks.

Abdominal pain can present in a variety of ways. You may describe your pain as:

• Aching
• Cramping
• Burning
• Stabbing
• Throbbing
• Gnawing

This page will first discuss when your pain warrants a visit to the doctor, how it is diagnosed, and subsequently a few treatment options. Thereafter we’ll cover 2 types of abdominal pain along with possible causes that you should be aware of.

Dealing with abdominal pain shouldn’t be normal. You should see a gastroenterologist if you experience new or persistent abdominal pain.

Abdominal pain may occur with other symptoms. Warning signs to see a gastroenterologist include:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Blood in the stool or black stools
• Change in bowel habits

Gastroenterologists have specialized training in treating digestive disorders. We’re able to find the root cause of your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and restore optimal functioning through effective treatment plans.

The initial approaches we take when diagnosing a patient’s abdominal pain are:

• Determine the location of the pain
• What are the associated symptoms?
• Is the pain related to eating or is it related to having a bowel movement?

Depending on the answers to the above questions and a thorough medical exam, Dr. Islam may want to schedule a colonoscopy or upper endoscopy exam to find the cause of the symptoms being experienced.

Treatment depends on the cause of abdominal pain. Potential treatments may include:

• Dietary changes
• Lifestyle modifications
• Antibiotics

At Lubbock Gastroenterology, we take a holistic approach to digestive health. Our goal is not to put you on more medications, but to get you off them.

Acute abdominal pain is pain that lasts from seconds to days.

You know that case of mild food poisoning you had last year? The stomach cramps, diarrhea, and nausea knocked you down for a few days. But afterward, you felt as good as new.

Usually, acute abdominal pain resolves quickly on its own. But sometimes it may be a sign of a serious medical issue. If you experience severe, sudden abdominal pain that feels debilitating or unbearable, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Chronic abdominal pain is pain that lasts for weeks, months, or years. This type of pain may come and go. And it may be mild or severe.

Abdominal pain that lasts for more than one week is always a sign to see your doctor.

Experiencing chronic abdominal pain can feel hopeless when it just won’t go away. And you know it’s not “in your head.” Are you tired of living with this condition because you can’t find any answers?

Dr. Sameer Islam is a gastroenterologist in Lubbock, Texas who specializes in digestive disorders. If you want to find the root cause of your abdominal pain and feel good again, schedule an appointment online or call our office at (806) 696-4440.

There are numerous potential causes of abdominal pain, ranging from mild to severe. Your abdomen has complex anatomy including muscles, blood vessels, connective tissues, and organs.

Many people associate abdominal pain with the digestive system. Digestive organs that may be sources of abdominal pain include:

• Esophagus
• Stomach
• Small intestine
• Large intestine
• Liver
• Pancreas
• Gallbladder

Your pain may also be caused by other abdominal organs including:

• Kidneys
• Spleen
• Bladder
• Female reproductive organs
  • Uterus
  • Fallopian tubes
  • Ovaries
• Appendix

If that wasn’t enough, abdominal pain may also occur as a result of problems in nearby areas such as your chest or pelvis.

As you can see, there are endless possibilities for the cause of abdominal pain. But by learning more about your pain, such as the location of pain and what makes it better or worse, we can begin to determine what’s wrong.

Left Upper Abdominal Pain

The left upper abdomen contains the stomach, liver, spleen, left kidney, pancreas, and large intestine.

Left upper abdominal pain may be caused by the following conditions:

• Pancreatitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Stomach ulcers
• Gastritis

Right Upper Abdominal Pain

The right upper abdomen contains the liver, gallbladder, right kidney, pancreas, the first part of the small intestine, and large intestine.

Causes of right upper abdominal pain may include:

• Hepatitis
• Gallstones
• Cholecystitis
• Constipation

Left Lower Abdominal Pain

The left lower abdomen contains the small intestine, large intestine, and left female reproductive organs.

Left lower abdominal pain may be caused by the following conditions:

• Constipation
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
• Diverticulitis
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Colon cancer

Right Lower Abdominal Pain

The right lower abdomen contains the small intestine, large intestine, right female reproductive organs, and appendix.

Causes of right lower abdominal pain may include:

• Appendicitis
• Hernia
• Gas

Stomach Pain Immediately After Eating

If you experience abdominal pain after eating, it may be a sign that there’s a problem in your digestive system.

Stomach pain immediately after eating may be caused by:

• Stomach ulcers
• Gallstones
• Gastritis

Dr. Sameer Islam is a gastroenterologist and native of West Texas. He helps you heal your digestive disorders naturally. If you want relief from your abdominal pain, schedule an appointment online or call our office at (806) 696-4440.