Abdominal Pain in Kennewick and Serving Richland, Pasco, Yakima, & Walla Walla, WA
Abdominal pain is a common complaint seen by doctors around the world. It can be described as sharp, dull, intermittent or constant pain and originates in between the lower chest and pelvic areas of the body.
At some point or another, just about everyone will experience abdominal pain. While most occurrences are not serious, and can be easily diagnosed and treated, some pain can be more serious. When it comes to abdominal pain it is important to be able to recognize symptoms that are severe and to know when to call your gastroenterologist.
What Causes Abdominal Pain?
Whether you are suffering from a mild stomachache, multiple things can cause sharp pain, or stomach cramps, abdominal pain. Some of the most common causes are:
- Indigestion
- Constipation
- Stomach virus
- Menstrual cramps
- Food poisoning
- Food allergies
- Gas
- Lactose intolerance
- Ulcers
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Gallstones
- Hernia
- Kidney stones
- Crohn’s disease
- Urinary tract infection
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Appendicitis
The causes of abdominal pain are numerous, but are often due to infections or inflammation in a certain area. The location of the pain helps medical providers narrow down the cause; to help with this process, the abdomen is divided into four equal areas called quadrants. Upper right quadrant pain, for example, can be associated with problems in the liver or gallbladder. The upper left quadrant contains most of the stomach, the spleen and the pancreas. Pain in the lower quadrants is often due to gynecological issues, appendicitis or a problem with the intestines. If a patient can describe the type of pain and where it is located, this can help the health care provider decide on further testing and treatment measures to take.
Talk to your gastroenterologist if you are experiencing abdominal pain that does not subside, progresses and is accompanied by fever and other symptoms, as it is important to seek treatment immediately. Your gastroenterologist will work with you to create an appropriate treatment plan.
Don't wait to find relief for persistent abdominal pain. Get fast diagnosis and effective treatment from our trusted gastroenterologists at Tri-Cities Digestive Health Center in Kennewick, WA. Call us today at (509) 460-5500 to schedule an appointment! We proudly serve Richland, Pasco, Yakima, Walla Walla, and surrounding areas, so call now!
