Experiencing Severe Abdominal Pain - What To Do?

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Abdominal pain (or stomach ache) is a common medical condition. Everyone has some level of stomach pain at some point in their lives. Often, the discomfort is self-limiting and subsides on its own within a few hours or days. Indigestion, food intolerance, illness, constipation, a pulled mu

In addition, numerous people have gas pain and bloating. Food consumption is frequently associated with gas. Pain can be acute or persistent, lasting several weeks or longer. While most people with stomach pain and gas have self-limiting conditions, the symptoms can be associated with conditions that require medical or surgical treatment.

In this article, Dr. Dipty Mangla, Pain Management Physician, is an expert in treating headaches, and facial, neck, back, and joint pain at Mainland Pain Management Clinic. She will discuss abdominal pain, and its causes, and provide the best Abdominal Pain Treatment in New Jersey. She and her team are experts in managing abdominal pain concerns by determining the root cause and helping one to achieve better health.

Major factors or concerns that trigger abdominal pain are:

A doctor may be able to identify the cause of abdominal pain if a person describes the pattern and location of their symptoms. These are some of the reasons:

  • Peptic ulcer: The pain usually occurs in the upper abdomen like a knife-like pain that spreads to the back.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD): The pain is typically characterized by a central burning sensation that arises beneath the breastbone and may ascend upward. It is sometimes accompanied by belching.
  • Appendicitis: When the pain becomes more consistent, it usually begins near the navel area (belly button) and moves down to the lower right abdomen.
  • Gallstones or gallbladder irritation: Pain in the upper right abdomen, back, or right shoulder.
  • Lower abdominal pain: Lower abdominal pain, often known as 'lower stomach pain,' is most likely caused by bowel obstruction.
  • Period pain: Period pain is typically a dull, cramping pain felt low down that may radiate to the back.

What causes severe abdominal or stomach pain?

A problem that occurs in the digestive tract (the gut) is frequently the cause of abdominal pain. It can, however, be caused by other organs in the abdomen, such as the kidneys. Large blood vessels, such as the aorta, can also be present in the stomach and cause pain. Some medications can also cause abdominal pain.

 Some of the causes of gut-related abdominal pain are as follows:

  • Indigestion or trapped wind
  • Constipation and diarrhea
  • Food poisoning and gastroenteritis
  • Lactose sensitivity
  • GORD and the hiatus hernia
  • Ulcers
  • IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
  • IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease)
  • Diverticular disease and diverticulitis
  • Gallstones, gallbladder issues, and liver issues
  • Bowel blockage
  • Appendicitis
  • Pancreatitis.

Other organ-related causes of stomach pain include:

  • Menstrual cramps
  • Stones in the kidneys
  • Infection of the urinary tract
  • Inflammation of the pelvis
  • Angina or heart failure are examples of cardiac conditions.
  • Pneumonia.

When should a person make an appointment with my doctor?

If a person suffers abdominal pain, they should seek immediate medical assistance.

If someone experiences sudden, acute, or severe discomfort in their abdomen, they should go to the nearest emergency department or call an ambulance. 

One can also contact the Mainland Pain Management Clinic for Abdominal Pain Treatment in New Jersey.       

A person should also seek immediate medical assistance if they are experiencing discomfort that:

  • If it is severe or worsening.
  • If it is followed by fever.
  • Has persisted for several hours or more.
  • Wake them from sleep.
  • It is spreading to their neck, chest, or shoulders.
  • It makes swallowing difficult.

Immediate medical attention is also required. If a person suffers stomach pain that is accompanied by:

  • Bleeding from the colon or blood in the urine
  • Vaginal bleeding is not related to the menstrual cycle
  • A change in bowel movements
  • Being unable to urinate (pass urine), poo (have a bowel movement), or fart (pass gas)
  • Prolonged vomiting
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Unexpected weight loss
  • Skin that seems yellow.

How is the cause of stomach pain diagnosed?

Abdominal pain is one of the most prevalent symptoms seen by doctors.

An abdominal pain doctor in New Jersey at Mainland Pain Management Clinic will diagnose the cause based on the signs and location of the pain. Doctors will want to know how long a patient has been in pain and may perform a physical assessment. If the patient is female, a pelvic examination may be performed. If the patient is male, the penis and scrotum may be examined.

They may advise patients to have blood tests or additional diagnostic tests performed, especially if the symptoms have been present for some time.

The tests and procedures that may aid in the diagnosis of the reason for stomach pain are as follows:

  • Blood tests, for example, liver function tests
  • urine test
  • Ultrasound
  • X-ray
  • Endoscopy or colonoscopy: A long, flexible tube is inserted into the stomach or back canal (anus) while a patient is sedated.
  • CT scan
  • MRI scan.

What is the treatment for abdominal pain in New Jersey?

The underlying cause of pain in the stomach will determine how it is treated.

If a person is dealing with mild stomach pain at home with a known cause:

  • Drink plenty of water for hydration; avoid alcohol, tea, and coffee.
  • Keep yourself relaxed.
  • Apply a warm wheat pack or a hot water bottle to the abdomen.
  • Eat bland meals when a person can resume eating or as directed by a doctor.

Treatment options

Specific treatment options, depending on the cause of stomach discomfort, include the following:

  • Gas: Medicines intended for breaking down gas bubbles, such as antacids, are available over the counter. Gas-reducing medications like charcoal items may help with continuing wind difficulties. Changes in diet may also be beneficial. A doctor at Mainland Pain Clinic can provide dietary advice.
  • Gastroenteritis: It generally only lasts a few days and goes away on its own. The most important treatment is to stay hydrated by drinking sufficient, clear water.
  • Pain caused by muscular spasms: Antispasmodic medications can help with cramps in the gut wall. Several options are available, so consult a  doctor to determine which is best for your condition.
  • Pain due to acid reflux (GORD): GORD pain can be treated by lifestyle modifications or medications to regulate stomach acid.
  • Pain caused by stomach or duodenal ulcers: This form of pain is typically treated by attempting to repair the ulcers, which relieves the symptoms. It could include acid-reducing medications and antibiotics prescribed by the physician.
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis): These disorders' flare-ups can be treated with various medications, which can also be used on an ongoing basis to avoid future outbreaks.

Is it possible to prevent abdominal pain?

  • Eating adequate fiber and exercising regularly can help prevent Constipation and keep the bowels working correctly, which can help prevent some types of stomach pain. It will also lower the long-term risk of certain disorders like diverticular disease and bowel cancer.
  • Drinking plain water rather than carbonated or fizzy drinks will lessen the likelihood of bloating pain while keeping the body healthy.
  • A specific diet can ease pain caused by lactose intolerance, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome, and wind, gas, or trapped wind.

For acute stomach pain, the best abdominal pain treatment options in New Jersey are offered at Mainland Pain Management Clinic. The treatment varies based on an individual's needs, and both surgical and non-surgical options are offered. To learn more, pay a visit today!

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