WHEN SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED ABOUT ABDOMINAL PAIN AND SEEK TREATMENT?

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Abdominal Pain

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Abdominal pain is pretty common and something almost all of us have experienced at one point or another. From overeating, to heartburn and indigestion, to constipation or diarrhea, the symptoms are quite common. While these don’t always warrant a trip to the doctor, symptoms that do require immediate attention are:

• Frequent or persistent abdominal pain: typically treated by a gastroenterologist.

• Severe abdominal pain: patient should go to the closest emergency room (ER).

Reasons for Abdominal Pain

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Symptoms that do not resolve over time or recur (chronic symptoms) require evaluation by a physician. Abdominal pain can occur for many different reasons, with widely varying degrees of severity. Intense pain can indicate several different conditions, from inflammation to appendicitis, and should not be ignored. Sudden onset of abdominal pain can be worrisome for patients and a challenge for doctors.  Therefore, a careful and logical approach for the assessment of abdominal pain is necessary.

GI Symptoms Include:

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• Heartburn

• Reflux of acid or stomach contents into the throat

• Bloated or distended sensation in the abdomen

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

• Difficulty swallowing

• Any significant change in bowel movements

• Vomiting

• Fresh or altered blood passing from the rectum

Additional Abdominal Pain SymptomsIf bloating is persistent or is accompanied by additional symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, or nausea, a gastroenterologist should be consulted. Moreover, rectal bleeding can be a sign of colon polyps or other conditions, such as hemorrhoids or even colon cancer. A polyp is a growth that can occur in the large intestine, or colon. Large polyps can cause abdominal pain. Some polyps are precancerous, meaning that if they are not removed they could slowly progress into a cancer. A gastroenterologist can perform a colonoscopy and remove the polyp. Colonoscopy can also assist in determining the underlying cause for constant bloating.

Complications from Abdominal PainAll of us may have occasional heartburn or acid reflux. However, frequent heartburn, food “sticking in the throat” or a chronic and persistent sore throat may be associated with a more severe problem known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD is a medical condition in which acid from the stomach flows up into the esophagus. People suffering from GERD complain about a burning discomfort, localized behind the breastbone that can move up towards the throat. The burning sensation can also be accompanied by a bitter or sour taste of the acid in the back of the mouth. Moreover, repeated exposure to acid can cause ulcers and tissue abnormalities that affect a person’s ability to breathe, swallow, and speak. If left uncontrolled, chronic acid reflux and the damage caused by it can ultimately lead to cancer.

Call Your GI DoctorIf you have any of the above mentioned symptoms be sure to call your GI doctor. These conditions can often be treated effectively with timely recognition, management and appropriate therapy.

Visit this Link to Find a Gastroenterologist in your Area

http://gastrosymptoms.com/find-a-gastroenterologist-in-your-area/