Everyone has occasional stomach pain, but how do you know what’s causing it and when to call the doctor? Here’s how to ease run-of-the-mill tummy aches and how to spot the signs of potential problems.
Experiencing stomach pain is like navigating through a busy subway station during rush hour — it can be confusing, uncomfortable, and sometimes alarming. Whether it’s a sudden sharp pain that makes you double over or a lingering ache that’s been bothering you for days, you need to know why it’s happening and how to stop it.
You’ve come to the right place. At Newtown Gastroenterology, in the heart of New York City — Elmhurst and Flushing in Queens, Sunset Park in Brooklyn, and Chinatown in Manhattan — our abdominal pain specialists can help you identify what’s causing your tummy aches and resolve them for good.
There are many potential pain sources, from ulcers and hernias to irritable bowel syndrome and GERD and beyond. Knowing the exact cause is the key to getting the right treatment and ultimate relief.
When the discomfort is mild and is more of an annoyance than a grave concern, try these simple strategies:
Drinking plenty of water is like oiling the gears of your digestive system — it keeps things moving smoothly. Dehydration can exacerbate abdominal pain that’s caused by constipation.
The BRAT diet — bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast — is gentle on the stomach for many people. If nausea or diarrhea accompanies your abdominal pain, temporarily focusing on these simple, bland foods can be soothing.
Placing a heating pad or a warm water bottle on your tummy can relax muscles and relieve cramping. It’s like a warm, comforting hug for your insides.
When to consult a gastroenterologist
While home remedies can provide temporary relief, knowing when you need professional help is essential. Here are signs it’s time to call Newtown Gastroenterology:
If your stomach pain lingers for several days or keeps coming back over a few weeks, it signals that something more serious might be happening.
Severe discomfort
Any sudden, severe abdominal pain — especially if it prevents you from sitting still, is accompanied by vomiting, wakes you up at night, or is associated with trauma — warrants immediate medical attention.
Accompanying symptoms
Other symptoms accompanying your stomach pain, such as fever, significant weight loss, jaundice, difficulty swallowing, or blood in stool, are red flags. These symptoms could indicate infections, inflammatory diseases, or even malignancies.
If you have an existing condition like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, or you have a family history of gastrointestinal cancer, it’s critical to consult with our gastroenterologists, even for what seems like mild symptoms.
Gastroenterologists specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. When you visit us with abdominal pain, we start with a thorough history and physical examination.
Further diagnostic tests might include blood tests, stool tests, imaging studies like CT scans or MRIs, and endoscopic procedures.
Treatment for abdominal pain is as varied as its causes. Depending on your diagnosis, it could range from dietary changes and medications to manage symptoms to more invasive treatments like surgery. The key is identifying the underlying condition accurately.
Never ignore stomach pain. If you have persistent abdominal discomfort, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment. Call Newtown Gastroenterology or book online to get to the bottom of your abdominal pain.
