Abdominal Pain Treatment Doctor Q&A

Not all abdominal pain is serious, but there are times when stomach discomfort warrants a doctor’s attention. If your abdominal pain is persistent, severe, or comes with other worrying symptoms, it’s time to take it seriously. Some red flags of abdominal pain include:

● Pain lasting more than a few days – Mild abdominal pain that persists for more than a few days should be checked out, particularly if it’s not responding to over-the-counter treatments like antacids or pain relievers.

● Severe pain – If your stomach pain is sudden, sharp, or debilitating, especially if it wakes you up from sleep, it’s a signal that something could be seriously wrong, like appendicitis or a gallbladder issue.

● Fever – If your abdominal pain is accompanied by a fever, it could indicate an infection that needs to be treated with antibiotics.

● Vomiting or diarrhea – Persistent vomiting or diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, so it’s important to have these symptoms evaluated.

● Blood in stool or vomit – If you see blood, whether in your stool or vomit, you should be evaluated by a doctor immediately.

If you’re not sure whether your stomach pain is serious, it’s always better to be safe and get assessed by a healthcare provider.

Abdominal discomfort can result due to a variety of conditions, some mild and some more serious. The common causes of abdominal pain include:

● Gastroenteritis – Also known as the stomach flu, this condition results in inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can lead to cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

● Bloating – Excess gas can cause sharp, cramping pain in the abdomen. Gas can get trapped due to eating certain foods (like beans, broccoli, or dairy), swallowing air, or digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

● Indigestion – This condition usually causes discomfort in the upper abdomen and is often triggered by eating too much, too quickly, or consuming foods that are high in fat or spice.

● Constipation – If you are feeling bloated or crampy and it’s been a while since your last bowel movement, constipation could be the cause of your discomfort.

● Gallstones – When bile stored in the gallbladder turns into gallstones, the bile ducts can become blocked, resulting in sharp pain in the upper right side of the abdomen.

The most effective way to relieve lower abdominal pain depends on what’s causing it. To minimize pain and inflammation, you can take over-the-counter treatments like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. However, you should avoid taking aspirin for abdominal pain, as it can irritate the stomach lining.
 
If your abdominal pain is caused by dehydration, it’s essential to drink enough fluids. It’s best to avoid carbonated beverages and caffeinated drinks, as they can make bloating worse. For gas or bloating, sometimes a little light movement, such as walking, can help get things moving and relieve pressure. Furthermore, applying a heating pad or a warm compress to the lower abdomen can relax tense muscles and help ease cramping pain.
 
If your stomach pain is intense, doesn’t improve with home remedies, or occurs alongside other alarming symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements, it’s important to head to urgent care to be assessed by a healthcare professional.

In many cases, mild pain from issues like indigestion or gas can resolve in a matter of hours once your body processes the food or passes gas. In contrast, if the abdominal pain is linked to a stomach virus, it could last anywhere from 24 to 72 hours. Ongoing conditions like IBS or chronic constipation typically cause recurrent discomfort that comes and goes over weeks or months.

You may be wondering what the general rule of thumb is when it comes to having your abdominal pain checked out. If the pain lasts longer than 48 hours, doesn’t respond to home treatments, or is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, vomiting, or bloody stool, it’s time to see a doctor. The dedicated professionals at Nova Patient Care are here to assess your symptoms and provide prompt treatment for abdominal discomfort. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Annandale VA, Arlington VA, Bethel VA, Dale City VA, Falls Church VA, Fort Hunt VA, Franconia VA, Huntington VA, Richmond Hwy Alexandria VA, Idylwood VA, Kingstowne Center Alexandria VA, Lake Barcroft VA, Mclean VA, Newington VA, Old Town Alexandria VA, Pentagon City Arlington VA, Seven Corners VA, Tysons VA, Woodbridge, VA and surrounding areas.