When To See A Gastroenterologist For Abdominal Pain

Have you been suffering from abdominal pain lately? Your San Diego, CA, gastroenterologists at San Diego Gastroenterology can diagnose the source of your pain and offer treatments that will ease your discomfort.

Is it time to see a gastroenterologist?

It's a good idea to schedule a visit with your gastroenterologist if:

• You have severe pain: Don't wait to see if your abdominal pain will get better. Call your San Diego, CA, gastroenterologist right away if you have severe pain that starts suddenly or pain that gets worse over time.
• You have lingering abdominal pain: Pain is common after a spicy meal or if you're constipated. Fortunately, abdominal pain usually doesn't last long. If you're mild to moderate pain lasts more than one or two days or your abdomen feels tender, get in touch with the gastroenterology office.
• Your abdomen is swollen: Bloating after a big meal is fairly common. If your abdomen is constantly swollen, and you're in pain, you'll need to pay a visit to your gastroenterologist.
• You don't feel well: Is your abdominal pain accompanied by a fever, nausea or vomiting? You may have an infection or illness that requires prompt medical treatment.
• You frequently experience abdominal pain and heartburn after meals: Your symptoms could be caused by gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), one of the many conditions that gastroenterologists treat.
• You're losing weight: Abdominal pain and unintentional weight loss should be evaluated as soon as possible.
• You have bloody stools: Bloody stools could be caused by hemorrhoids or something more serious. Bleeding should never be ignored, particularly when it's accompanied by pain.

Common causes of abdominal pain

In addition to GERD, pain in the abdomen can be due to:

• Indigestion
• Lactose intolerance
• Viruses and infections
• Heart attack
• Food poisoning
• Appendicitis
• Diverticulitis
• Inflamed pancreas
• Intestinal blockages
• Pelvic inflammatory disease
• Food allergies and sensitivities
• Gallbladder disease
• Kidney stones
• Endometriosis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• A stomach ulcer
• Celiac disease
• Urinary tract infection
• Cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• A hernia

It's impossible to tell what's causing your pain without a visit to the gastroenterologist. Don't delay making the call if you have any of the symptoms listed above.

Do you need to see a gastroenterologist in San Diego, CA, about your abdominal pain? Call your doctors at San Diego Gastroenterology at (619) 291-6064 to schedule your appointment.