Abdominal Pain in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is abdominal pain?
People often have a hard time verbalizing abdominal pain. Occasionally described as pain in the lower abdomen, pain in the upper abdomen, upper stomach pain, generalized pain in the stomach, etc., abdominal pain can present as any form of discomfort between the pelvis and the chest. It might seem vague and difficult to explain. Oftentimes, abdominal pain can be a minor issue, but it is essential to pay attention to your body and any signs that it is sending you. There could be a variety of possible explanations for your stomach pain. If you struggle with persistent now-and-then stomach concerns, it could be time to see a physician who offers treatment for abdominal pain in Baton Rouge, LA. You can locate a gastrointestinal doctor in your area by contacting Gastroenterology Associates. Our GI specialists are ready to help.
What causes abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain could be caused by a variety of issues, some more serious than others.
Some less concerning issues typically include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome: Pain often develops in the lower abdomen but can be in any part of the abdomen. Pain may intensify soon after eating.
- Allergies to foods: Common food allergies include gluten intolerance, lactose intolerance, and foods such as peanuts, tree nuts, milk, fish, and shellfish.
- Food poisoning: A foodborne illness due to toxins in food from parasites, bacteria, or viruses. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
- Bloating
- Virus: This could be a stomach flu or other virus.
- Dyspepsia: Difficulty with digestion
- Difficulty passing hard stool
Conditions with potential for greater danger that present with abdominal pain include:
- Crohn’s disease: An inflammatory disease of the intestines that presents with abdominal pain and frequent diarrhea.
- GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease): This occurs when stomach acid is pushed backward into the esophagus. Symptoms may involve recurring heartburn.
- Ulcerative colitis: This is a form of IBS that can result in abdominal and rectal cramping and pain.
- Diverticulitis: Infection/swelling of the colon, this might result in bowel obstruction and abdominal swelling.
- Insufficient blood supply to the intestines (intestinal ischemia): This may be the result of a blocked blood vessel and may affect intestinal efficiency.
- Appendicitis: This causes swelling in the appendix, which may feel like a dull pain in the abdomen that transfers to the lower right abdomen and becomes sharper.
- Cancer of the stomach: Symptoms might include pain and unusual “fullness” in the upper abdomen.
- Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis): Symptoms present with extreme pain in one's back and side from the groin to the lower abdomen.
- Pancreatitis: Identified as swelling of the pancreas, pain can be experienced in the upper abdomen, radiating to the back.
- Ulcers: These wounds in the lining of the stomach can result in abdominal pain.
- Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder that presents as severe discomfort in the center or upper right of the abdomen.
- Bowel obstruction or blockage: This is the inability of digested waste to pass through the intestine.
- Colon cancer: Symptoms can include severe and lengthy pain in the abdomen and/or change in bowel habits.
What are the causes of lower abdominal pain?
At times, pain in one's abdomen might be localized to the lower portion of the abdominal area. Some of the most common sources of pain in the lower abdomen include:
- Bowel blockage: The stoppage of digested material from making its way through the bowel.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Common disorder of the large intestine.
- Hernia: When a body part or organ forces its way into the wall of the abdomen.
- IBD (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis): The term for any chronic inflammation of the digestive tract.
- Constipation: Difficulty passing and/or the inability to pass stool.
- Lactose intolerance: The adverse reaction to lactose (found in dairy) due to an inability to digest it.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of the intestinal wall.
- Appendicitis: Swelling of the appendix. This might feel like a dull pain in the abdomen that moves to the lower right abdomen and grows sharper/intensifies.
- Celiac sprue (Celiac disease): Adverse reaction to gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye.
- Gas: Feels like pressure in the abdomen and can include flatulence and burping.
- Flu (stomach flu): Infection of the intestines. May be characterized by fever, cramping, or nausea.
- Indigestion: Discomfort from indigestion in the lower abdomen is unusual and due to the buildup of acid following eating.
When should I go to the hospital for abdominal pain?
If you or a loved one are experiencing serious unceasing pain in the abdomen in tandem with any of the following conditions, emergency assistance could be necessary. Abdominal pain should be treated by an emergency physician urgently if:
- Pain extends from your stomach to your back
- Your stomach is very tender to the touch
- Your abdominal pain is accompanied by a fever
- Bloody stool or bloody urine
- Trouble breathing or chest pain
- Inability to eat without vomiting
- Vomiting blood
- Irregular heartbeat
The best guideline is that it is better to be safe than sorry. If the pain in your stomach is frequent, if not excruciating, consulting with your nearest gastrointestinal specialist might be necessary. Our experienced physicians commonly provide treatment for patients with abdominal pain in Baton Rouge, LA and can help you with your gastrointestinal needs. Blood in one's stool should always be addressed and should be assessed by a medical practitioner. If you have blood in your stool, we urge you to contact Gastroenterology Associates today.
Treatment of abdominal pain
Due to the multitude of abdominal pain instigators, the most reliable and efficient way to treat abdominal pain is to get the professional opinion of a gastrointestinal doctor. The experienced team of gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology Associates strives to offer the highest standard of patient-centric care. As experts in GI health, our specialists can conduct a range of diagnostic tests and give treatment for a vast array of factors that result in pain in one's abdomen. To consult with a provider who can offer treatment for abdominal pain in Baton Rouge, LA, please call your nearest location today to request a consultation.
Reviews
I applaud this group for exceptional patient care! For months I have suffered with acute abdominal pain. My primary care physician diagnosed the problem and referred me. Because my Doctor wasn't immediately available I was scheduled to see Physician Assistant Kasey Gora. SHE IS WONDERFUL! Although she provided excellent care and has a wonderful beside-manner, it was her follow-up that made me feel as though she truly cared. She called me on a Saturday morning! But, it wasn't just a phone call, it was a conversation. She did not just ask a general question! She was very specific and listened to my responses. She even explained why I should be filling better and the continued plan of care. During my follow-up appointment, she was very intent on ensuring I knew what to do to minimize the Diverticulitis. She is Awesome!
Great care and attention to detail
Best doc in town, treats you like family
Dr. Be is very professional and cordial. His office was very efficient with my time and they made sure that I had all the information I needed to prepare for my procedure.
I liked the fact that Dr. Chauvin took the time to answer my questions.
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