Abdominal pain is a common complaint that can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from indigestion to more serious conditions. While most cases of abdominal pain are not cause for alarm, there are certain signs that should prompt you to seek immediate medical attention.

What are the signs that demand immediate attention?

Here are some of the most common signs that your abdominal pain may be a serious medical emergency:

• Severe, persistent pain: If your abdominal pain is severe and doesn’t go away after a few hours, it could be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
• Pain accompanied by other symptoms: If your abdominal pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding, or difficulty breathing, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
• Sudden, sharp pain: Sudden, sharp pain in your abdomen could be a sign of a ruptured appendix or gallbladder, which requires immediate medical attention.
• Pain that worsens over time: If your abdominal pain is getting worse, even with home remedies, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

What are some of the most common causes of abdominal pain?

Here are some of the most common causes of abdominal pain:

• Indigestion: Indigestion is a common cause of abdominal pain that is often caused by eating too much or too quickly, eating fatty or spicy foods, or drinking too much alcohol.
• Gas: Gas is another common cause of abdominal pain that can be caused by eating certain foods, such as beans and cabbage, or drinking carbonated beverages.
• Food poisoning: Food poisoning can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Constipation: Constipation can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and difficulty passing stool.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS is a chronic condition that causes abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.  
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): IBD is a group of inflammatory bowel diseases that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fatigue.
• Appendicitis: Appendicitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch that extends from the colon.
• Gallstones: Gallstones are hard, pebble-like substances that can form in the gallbladder. They can cause severe abdominal pain, especially after eating fatty foods.
• Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas, a gland that helps with digestion.
• Aortic aneurysm: An aortic aneurysm is a bulge in the aorta, the largest artery in the body. It can cause severe abdominal pain and can rupture, leading to internal bleeding.

When should you see a gastroenterologist?

A gastroenterologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating digestive disorders. You should see a gastroenterologist if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Persistent abdominal pain
• Changes in bowel habits
• Unexplained weight loss
• Rectal bleeding
• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Nausea or vomiting
• Jaundice

Redding GastroCare: Your Trusted Partner in Digestive Health

If you’re experiencing abdominal pain or any other digestive issues, it’s important to see a qualified gastroenterologist. At Redding GastroCare, we offer comprehensive digestive care services, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of digestive disorders.

Our team of experienced gastroenterologist in Redding is dedicated to providing the highest quality care to our patients. We use the latest diagnostic tools and treatment techniques to ensure that you get the best possible care.

Don’t let abdominal pain disrupt your life. Contact Redding GastroCare today to schedule an appointment.