Abdominal Pain in Lubbock, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is abdominal pain?
Patients often have a difficult time explaining abdominal pain in exact terms. It can be described as lower abdominal pain, pain in the upper abdomen, pain in the upper stomach, generalized pain in the stomach, etc. Abdominal pain can present as any manner of discomfort between the chest and the pelvis. Like many patients, you may struggle to describe it. Oftentimes, abdominal pain can be a small issue, but it is essential to listen to your body and any messages that it is sending you. There are any number of possible conditions or contributing factors in regard to the root of your stomach pain. If you suffer from persistent off-and-on stomach concerns, it may be time to see a doctor who provides care for abdominal pain in Lubbock, TX. You can locate a gastroenterology specialist near you by calling Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates .
What causes abdominal pain?
Stomach or abdominal pain could stem from any number of issues, some of which are of minor concern. These commonly include:
- Difficulty with digestion (dyspepsia)
- A potential stomach virus: This could be a stomach flu or other virus.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Pain commonly presents in the lower abdomen but can be in any portion of the abdomen. Pain may intensify soon after eating.
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Food poisoning: A foodborne illness due to parasites, viruses, bacteria, or other toxins that might be found in food. Symptoms include abdominal cramps.
- Allergies to foods (such as gluten intolerance or lactose intolerance): Common food allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, fish, and shellfish.
Alternate and potentially more serious conditions that present with abdominal pain include:
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas. Pain is often experienced in the upper abdomen, radiating to the back.
- Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis): Symptoms present with extreme pain in one's back and side from the groin to the lower abdomen.
- Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder that can present as severe pain in the center or upper right of the abdomen.
- Ulcers: Sores in the lining of the stomach that can cause abdominal pain.
- Diverticulitis: Infection/swelling of the colon. This may progress to bowel obstruction and abdominal inflammation.
- Cancer of the stomach: Symptoms can include pain and an unusual feeling of "fullness" in the upper abdomen.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix. This could feel like a dull pain in one's abdomen that transfers to the lower right abdomen and becomes sharper.
- Ulcerative colitis: Inflammatory bowel disease which can manifest in rectal and abdominal cramps and extreme discomfort.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This occurs when stomach acid pushes backward into the esophagus. Symptoms may include frequent heartburn.
- Colon cancer: Symptoms could include extreme and long-lasting pain in the abdomen, and/or change in bowel habits.
- Bowel blockage or obstruction: Prevention of digested material from passing through the intestine.
- Crohn's disease: An inflammatory disease of the intestines that presents with abdominal pain and frequent diarrhea.
- Insufficient blood supply to the intestines (intestinal ischemia): This may be due to a blocked blood vessel and may affect intestinal operation.
What is the cause of lower abdominal pain?
Stomach pain may be localized to the lower portion of the abdomen in certain cases. Some common sources of lower abdominal pain include:
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of the intestinal wall.
- Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix. This may feel like a dull pain in the abdomen that moves to the lower right abdomen and becomes worse.
- Flu (stomach flu): Infection of the intestines. Could manifest as cramping, nausea, and fever.
- Celiac disease (celiac sprue): Adverse reaction to gluten, found in rye, wheat, and barley.
- Indigestion: Pain resulting from indigestion in the lower abdomen is rare and a result of a buildup of acid following eating.
- Bowel blockage: The stoppage of digested material from passing through the intestine.
- IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome): Common disorder affecting the colon.
- Constipation: Difficulty passing and/or the inability to pass stool.
- Lactose intolerance: The inability to fully digest lactose found in dairy.
- Gas: Presents as the sensation of pressure in your abdomen and might include flatulence and burping.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis): A term describing any chronic swelling of the digestive tract.
- Hernia: When another part of the body or organ forces its way into the abdominal wall.
When should I go to the hospital for abdominal pain?
In the event that you or a loved one are experiencing serious, unrelenting abdominal pain along with any of the symptoms listed below, emergency assistance may be necessary. Abdominal pain should be treated by an emergency physician without delay if:
- Pain travels from the stomach to your back
- Your stomach is excessively tender to the touch
- Your abdominal pain is accompanied by a fever
- You have bloody stool or bloody urine
- You have trouble breathing or chest pain
- You are unable to eat without vomiting
- You are vomiting blood
- You have an irregular heartbeat
The best rule of thumb is that it is better to be safe than sorry. If the pain in your stomach is frequent and maybe not severe, consulting with your nearest GI physician may still be necessary. Our skilled professionals commonly provide treatment for patients with abdominal pain in Lubbock, TX and can help you with your GI symptoms. Blood in your stool should always be addressed and should be assessed by a medical provider. If you have blood in your stool, we advise you to get in touch with Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates today.
Treatment of abdominal pain
Abdominal pain can be brought on by a large variety of gastrointestinal conditions, so the most efficient and reliable way to treat your discomfort is to partner with a digestive health specialist who can render a diagnosis. The experienced group of gastroenterologists at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates aims to deliver the best in patient-focused service. As experts in gastrointestinal health, our physicians are happy to conduct many diagnostic tests and give treatment for a wide variety of conditions that are responsible for abdominal pain. To meet with a specialist who offers treatment for abdominal pain in Lubbock, TX, please contact our practice immediately to make an appointment.
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Dr. Miller is professional and knowledgeable. He ‘s personable as well.
Dr. Hughston and his staff were very kind in office. His staff was very efficient in getting me in and out which I feel is nice when seeing a specialist.
Great and very friendly staff. The doctor takes time to listen and makes you feel like he really cares. I would recommend him to everyone
Dr. Miller is the best! He has taken care of me so well.
Dr. Hughston was nice, experienced and I would recommend him to anyone that is having stomach or swallowing issues!
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