Common Causes of Abdominal Pain and When to Seek Help

Stomach pain is common, but it’s important to know when you should see a doctor about it. 

You may get a bit of a tummy ache after eating something greasy or spicy. You may also notice a little stomach upset the day after a night of cocktails; however, it’s the persistent or recurring abdominal pain that may have you a bit more concerned. If you are dealing with unexpected or unexplained abdominal pain, this is where our San Diego, CA, gastroenterologists can give you the answer you’re looking for.


What could be causing my abdominal pain? 

Unfortunately, there is a laundry list of conditions and infections that could be causing your stomach pain. This is where our San Diego, CA, gastroenterologists will need to play detective to figure out what it could be. During your telemedicine appointment, we will ask you specific questions about the symptoms you are experiencing (e.g. the location; the type of pain; when it occurs) in order to rule out certain problems and to determine whether additional testing is needed. Common causes of abdominal pain range from minor to life-threatening, so it’s important not to ignore your symptoms.


Acute causes of abdominal pain include,

  • Food allergies
  • Food poisoning
  • Celiac disease
  • Gastroenteritis (“stomach bug”)
  • Appendicitis
  • Stomach or intestinal ulcers
  • Gas
  • Pregnancy
  • Indigestion
  • Parasitic infections
  • Hernias
  • Trauma to the abdomen
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Acute pancreatitis


Dealing with chronic or recurring abdominal pain? Then you could be dealing with,

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder)
  • Chronic pancreatitis


When should I see a doctor about my abdominal pain? 

Stomach pains happen to everyone, but it’s important to recognize when your symptoms should be evaluated by one of our San Diego, CA, gastroenterologists. If you are dealing with severe or worsening abdominal pain, or abdominal pain that lasts for hours, you should go to the hospital for emergency care.

While not as urgent, it’s still just as important that you schedule an appointment with us if you are experiencing stomach pains…

  • And blood in the stool (or bloody diarrhea)
  • And changes in bowel habits (constipation, diarrhea or both)
  • And vomiting
  • That spread to the back
  • And you’re having trouble urinating (could be kidney stones!)
  • That are relieved temporarily by a bowel movement (you could have IBS)


Due to the pandemic, our San Diego, CA, office is currently closed; however, if you are dealing with abdominal pain and would like to schedule a telehealth appointment with the team at San Diego Gastroenterology Medical Associates, just give us a call at (619) 291-6064.

Scripps Mercy Hospital

4077 Fifth Ave.
San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 260-7026

San Diego Endoscopy Center

4033 Third Ave., Suite 106
San Diego, CA 92103
Phone: (619) 497-2888

Office Hours

San Diego Gastroenterology

Monday  

9:00 AM - 4:00 pm

Tuesday  

9:00 AM - 4:00 pm

Wednesday  

9:00 AM - 4:00 pm

Thursday  

9:00 AM - 4:00 pm

Friday  

9:00 AM - 3:00 pm

Saturday  

Closed

Sunday  

Closed

Scripps Mercy Hospital

Monday  

6:30 am - 3:00 pm

Tuesday  

6:30 am - 3:00 pm

Wednesday  

6:30 am - 3:00 pm

Thursday  

6:30 am - 3:00 pm

Friday  

6:30 am - 3:00 pm

Saturday  

Closed

Sunday  

Closed

San Diego Endoscopy Center

Monday  

7:00 am - 4:30 pm

Tuesday  

7:00 am - 4:30 pm

Wednesday  

7:00 am - 4:30 pm

Thursday  

7:00 am - 4:30 pm

Friday  

7:00 am - 4:30 pm

Saturday  

Closed

Sunday  

Closed