Common Causes of Abdominal Pain and When to Seek Help

Abdominal pain can occur for many reasons. A few common causes include an intolerance to certain types of foods, the stomach flu or other illness, or a medical condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The board-certified gastroenterologists at Queens Boulevard Endoscopy Center in Rego Park, NY, diagnose and treat abdominal pain.

Causes of Abdominal Pain

A wide range of factors can contribute to abdominal pain. Some common causes of stomach cramps or discomfort include:

• Overeating
• Stomach flu
• Food poisoning
• Food intolerance
• Constipation
• Muscle strain
• Stress

Abdominal pain can also be due to an underlying medical condition, such as IBS. Some diseases and conditions associated with stomach pain include:

• Ulcerative Colitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Diverticulitis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Inflammation of the pancreas
• Certain cancers
• Gallstones
• Ulcers

In addition to these possible causes, there can be other reasons for experiencing abdominal pain so it is best to see a gastroenterologist for an accurate diagnosis of your stomach discomfort. Based on the cause and severity of the pain, as well as the presence or absence of other symptoms, an individualized treatment plan can be developed for you.

When to Seek Help

While some causes of abdominal pain, such as overeating, can be treated at home with over-the-counter products, there are times when you should seek help. Abdominal discomfort due to a medical condition must be properly diagnosed so an effective treatment plan can be developed to help you manage symptoms. See a gastroenterologist at our office in Rego Park, NY, if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Chronic or severe abdominal pain
• Pain that gets worse when you move
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Abdominal swelling
• Bloody diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Fever

It is important to know when to seek help for abdominal pain. Severe or persistent stomach discomfort could be a sign of an underlying medical condition. For the treatment of abdominal pain, schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist by calling Queens Boulevard Endoscopy Center in Rego Park, NY, at (718) 406-8000.