Find out when your stomach cramps may actually require medical attention.
Wondering why your stomach is suddenly in distress? Could it be something you ate, an infection or something more serious? Find out the most common causes of stomach cramps, pain and more, and when to schedule an appointment with our New York gastroenterologist Dr. Babak Mohajer about your abdominal pain,
There are many different conditions and infections that could be causing your abdominal pain. The most common causes include,
- Gas
- Food allergies
- Food poisoning
- Gastritis (causes inflammation of the stomach lining)
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Pregnancy
- Indigestion
- Constipation
Other common causes of abdominal pain include,
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel disease (this includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis)
- Stomach ulcers
- Kidney stones or gallstones
- Diverticulitis
- Pancreatitis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Certain medications such as antibiotics may also lead to stomach upset along with other symptoms such as cramping, diarrhea or vomiting. It’s important to tell your doctor about any medications you may be taking to rule out other possible causes of your abdominal pain.
You should call your New York GI doctor if your abdominal pain,
- Is getting worse
- Keeps coming back or doesn’t go away
- Is accompanied by unexpected weight loss
- Is accompanied by a fever
- Is accompanied by diarrhea
- Is accompanied by painful urination or abnormal vaginal discharge
You will require immediate medical attention if you experience,
- A severe, sudden stomachache
- Pain or tenderness when touching your stomach
- An inability to urinate or have a bowel movement
- Chest pain
- Black or bloody stools
- Yellowing of the skin
- A swollen or distended stomach
Visiting the Gastroenterologist
When you come into our office, Dr. Mohajer will ask you a series of questions regarding the symptoms you are experiencing while also going through your medical history. Once we get an idea of the symptoms you are experiencing, we can rule out certain problems while also determining which tests should be performed to help us make a definitive diagnosis. Common diagnostic tests include,
- Urine, stool and blood tests
- An endoscopy (to examine the upper digestive tract)
- An ultrasound
- CT scan
- X-rays
If you are dealing with abdominal pain here in New York schedule an-office visit by calling (212) 260-6505.
