Abdominal Pain Specialist

What causes abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain can be caused by many sources, with digestive system (gastroenterological) problems being the most common. 

Some of the most common digestive issues that cause abdominal pain include: 

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Diverticulitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Celiac disease
• Large colon polyps
• Gastric and duodenal ulcers
• Gastritis 
• Pancreatitis
• Hepatitis
• Gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis)
• Gallstones 
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Cancers in the liver, bile duct, gallbladder, pancreatic, or stomach

If you’re having recurrent or chronic abdominal pain, it’s important to keep track of your symptoms closely and see Dr. Shah at The Gastroenterology Practice for a specific diagnosis and personalized treatment plan as soon as possible. 

How is abdominal pain diagnosed?

At The Gastroenterology Practice, Dr. Shah first reviews your medical history and conducts a comprehensive physical exam. 

In addition, a description of your symptoms can help him diagnose your condition. Dr. Shah will ask questions about the exact location of the pain in your abdomen, how long it has been going on, and what it feels like (such as being sharp, dull or twisting pain). 

It’s important to also mention any symptoms that occur alongside your abdominal pain. For example, you may experience constipation, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, heartburn, vomiting, or yellowish skin (jaundice). Understanding your current health as a whole  can help him to pinpoint your abdominal condition.

Dr. Shah considers all factors that could play into your abdominal pain to determine your diagnosis. He may recommend specific tests, including:

• Lab testing (blood, urine, and stool tests)
• Colonoscopy
• Endoscopy
• Biopsy (during colonoscopy or endoscopy) 
• X-rays or other imaging tests 

Most tests happen the day of your appointment, but tests like colonoscopy require specific preparation, so you’ll have that test in the coming days.

What is the best treatment for abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain treatment depends on the root cause of your pain, so your treatment plan can range from diet and lifestyle changes to specialized surgery. 

There are many highly effective treatment options for abdominal pain, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or pain-modifying medications. You may need to take antibiotics, acid-reducing drugs, or other medications to target the problem that causes your abdominal pain. 

If your pain occurs because of a problem in your digestive tract (such as your gallbladder), you may need specialized surgery. Dr. Shah explains all the treatment options in an easy-to-understand way so you can make the choice that’s best for you. 

To schedule an appointment for abdominal pain help, call The Gastroenterology Practice in Queens, New York, or book online today.