Nothing is frustrating like abdominal pains, especially when you have a tight schedule. Most people experience abdominal discomfort at specific points in their lives. Sometimes called stomachache or bellyache, abdominal pain is typically felt in some part of the trunk below the ribs, the pelvis, or the groin. Short-term mild stomachaches aren’t severe, but recurring abdominal pain might be a call for a serious issue within your gastrointestinal tract. Fortunately, Katy abdominal pain treatments will effectively eradicate your pain. Although some cases of abdominal pain resolve themselves, long-term persistent pain indicates your situation is worsening. A board-certified gastroenterologist highlights common signs that your tummy needs more than over-the-counter medications. Let’s dive in:
1. Severe stomach ache after eating a fatty meal
If you have been experiencing severe abdominal pain after eating a fatty meal, chances are high that you have a gallbladder attack. The sharp pain worsens after eating and may last 30 to 60 minutes. Although the pain may fluctuate, it becomes constant and severe with time. This sign is typically common to overweight people who are forty-plus years old. To control the condition, eat low-fat foods or seek professional help.
2. Upper abdominal pain between the ribcage
Experiencing aching or stabbing pain in the upper abdominal area just under your ribs may indicate heart-related issues. The condition is accompanied by shortness of breath and is threatening if the pain persists. Since it occurs in the abdominal area, you can confuse it with normal stomach aches, but it might be a more severe case. Constantly seek gastroenterologist help each time you experience this symptom.
3. Crampy pain with diarrhea and constipation
Having crampy pain in your abdomen accompanied by diarrhea and constipation can prove to be irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The condition can affect many people regardless of age and worsen if ignored. To control symptoms of IBS, manage your diet, lifestyle, and stress levels. Additionally, treatment and counseling are critical in some cases.
4. Sudden and severe onset stomach pain
The condition is common to people with peptic ulcer diseases or those who take excessive amounts of aspirin. Similarly, sudden stomach pain may signify perforation, which sometimes requires emergency surgery. This is especially where a tear leaks in air and gastric content, which can lead to a septic shock. To head off any more significant problems down the road, seek medical treatment instantly.
5. Belly pain in the lower left side that worsens when you move
Chronic abdominal pain in your lower left side might signify diverticulitis, small colon pockets that become obstructed, and tear with time. If untreated, the condition can cause leakages, thus resulting in further damage. Over-the-counter medications may not be instrumental, so you should make an effort to book an appointment with a gastroenterologist instantly.
At Imperial Digestive Health Specialists, renowned specialist Oforbuike Ewelukwa MD, MSc, understands how abdominal pain affects your quality of life. With state-of-the-art medical equipment and treatment, he will diagnose and treat your pain effectively. He first conducts a physical exam to analyze the root cause of your situation to help conclude the appropriate treatment for you. Interestingly, some abdominal conditions may require diet and lifestyle changes, while others require advanced treatments for a quick recovery. If abdominal pain limits your productivity, contact our Katy, Texas, office today!
