When is abdominal pain a serious problem?
Occasional abdominal discomfort or pain isn't unusual, but when it's persistent, it could be a sign of a serious health problem. If you're having mild abdominal pain on a regular basis, but don't have any other gastrointestinal symptoms, simply schedule a visit with Dr. Hussain when you can.
If you often have serious abdominal pain, it's very important to see Dr. Hussain promptly. This is especially urgent if you also have problems like constipation, bloody stools, diarrhea, abdominal swelling, fever, vomiting, and/or other gastrointestinal symptoms.
What causes abdominal pain?
There's a long list of possible reasons for abdominal pain, but some of the gastrointestinal system causes include:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Colitis
- Ulcers
- Choledocholithiasis, which are gallstones passing through your bile duct
- Diverticulitis, which are inflamed pouches in your large intestine
- Abdominal scar tissue
- Colon cancer
These are just a few of the many dozens of possible causes of abdominal pain, so it's important to get the appropriate diagnostic testing to find out what treatment plan can help you.
What is the best way to relieve abdominal pain?
Dr. Hussain performs a full exam along with diagnostic testing that may include blood tests, endoscopy or colonoscopy, and X-rays or other imaging tests to find the cause of your abdominal pain.
The information gleaned during these tests can help Dr. Hussain craft an optimal treatment plan. In some cases, the test can actually be part of your treatment. For example, if Dr. Hussain performs a colonoscopy and discovers colon polyps, he can remove them during your colonoscopy.
If your abdominal pain is related to a food intolerance or poor dietary choices, resolving abdominal pain could be as easy as making some simple changes in the way you eat with Dr. Hussain's guidance. For some types of abdominal pain, you may need medication that works to resolve the underlying condition, such as medications that reduce stomach acid production to minimize GERD symptoms.
For abdominal pain caused by colon cancer or other serious conditions, you may need both medication and surgery. Dr. Hussain always explains your situation and options fully because he wants you to be educated and proactive about your health decisions.
Click the online booking tool or just call either Northside Gastroenterology Associates office to get the best abdominal pain treatment in Houston now.
