How your gastroenterologists in Stockbridge, Locust Grove, Riverdale, and Jackson, GA, can help you find relief from abdominal pain
Abdominal pain can happen without warning, or it can develop over a period of time. You shouldn’t ignore abdominal pain because it could be a sign of a more serious condition. Fortunately, your gastroenterologist can diagnose and treat what is causing your abdominal pain.
The gastroenterologists at Southern Gastroenterology Specialists offer a wide range of GI services, including treatment for abdominal pain. They have several convenient office locations in Stockbridge, Locust Grove, Riverdale, and Jackson, GA, to help you feel better.
If you are experiencing abdominal pain that has come on suddenly, it could be a sign of:
- A urinary tract infection, known as a UTI
- A kidney or bladder infection
- Gastroenteritis or appendicitis
- Appendicitis or cystitis
- Peritonitis or pancreatitis
If you are experiencing abdominal pain that has developed over time, it could be a sign of:
- A peptic ulcer
- Pelvic inflammatory disease, known as PID
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease, known as GERD
- Ulcerative colitis or celiac disease
- An inguinal or hiatal hernia
- Irritable bowel syndrome, known as IBS
If you are experiencing abdominal pain that is getting worse, it could be a sign of:
- Crohn’s disease
- Hepatitis
- Non-Hodgkins lymphoma
- Cancer of the stomach, liver, gallbladder, kidney, or pancreas
So, when should you visit your gastroenterologist? If your abdominal pain doesn’t resolve and gets worse, you should visit your GI doctor. In addition, to abdominal pain, you need to see your GI specialist if you also have:
- A high fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sudden weight loss
- Black tarry stools
- Yellowing skin
- A swollen, tender abdomen
The first step in treating abdominal pain is to diagnose the source of the pain, so your gastroenterologist may suggest a combination of diagnostic tests including:
- Having a colonoscopy
- Having a sigmoidoscopy
- Having an endoscopy
- Having an abdominal ultrasound
Your gastroenterologist will determine the right course of treatment to help you get relief from abdominal pain. To find out more about the causes and treatment of abdominal pain, call the gastroenterologists at Southern Gastroenterology Specialists. You can reach them at any of their offices in Stockbridge, Locust Grove, Riverdale, and Jackson, GA, by calling (770) 692-0100, so call today!