Common Causes of Abdominal Pain and When To Seek Help

How your gastroenterologist in Katy, TX, can help you get relief from abdominal pain

When you have abdominal pain, you already know how excruciating it can be. It can also be frightening because you don’t know what is causing it. Your gastroenterologist is an expert at diagnosing and treating the causes of abdominal pain.

Dr. Kevin Marks of Premier Gastroenterology in Katy, TX, offers a wide range of gastroenterology services, including treatment for abdominal pain.

There are different types of abdominal pain. For example, if you are experiencing abdominal pain that came on suddenly, it could be a symptom of:

• A urinary tract infection
• A bladder or kidney infection
• Kidney stones
• Appendicitis or diverticulitis
• Cystitis or gastroenteritis
• Peritonitis or pancreatitis

If you are experiencing abdominal pain that frequently reoccurs, it could be a symptom of:

• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Ulcers or ulcerative colitis
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease
• Hiatal or inguinal hernia
• Pelvic inflammatory disease or celiac disease

If you are experiencing abdominal pain that increases, it could be a symptom of:

• Hepatitis
• Crohn’s disease
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Stomach, liver, kidney, gallbladder, or pancreatic cancer

Now that you know some of the causes of abdominal pain, when should you seek professional help? You should see your GI specialist if you have any of these signs or symptoms accompanying your abdominal pain:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe pain with a high fever
• Rapid, unexplained weight loss
• Blood present in your stool
• Yellowing of your skin and eyes
• Swelling in your abdomen

To find out the exact cause of your abdominal pain, your GI specialist may recommend diagnostic tests including endoscopy, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or an abdominal ultrasound. Once the cause has been determined, your GI specialist will develop a treatment plan to get you on the road back to health.

Don’t procrastinate when it comes to your GI health! To find out more about the causes and treatment of abdominal pain, talk with an expert by calling Dr. Kevin Marks of Premier Gastroenterology in Katy, TX, at (281) 392-0425. Call today!