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When to See a Doctor About Abdominal Pain
“Is it a stomachache or is it something more?” is a question some of us will face when we are experiencing abdominal pain. Abdominal pain is rather common, and it is usually nothing too serious. The idea of abdominal pain being a symptom of a serious condition is scary, but there are things to look out for when deciphering your pain.
What to Look Out For
Your abdominal cavity is the home of many vital organs including the stomach, liver, pancreas, small and large intestines, kidneys, and many more. Since so many important organs live in this space, it can be hard to pinpoint the cause of abdominal pain. If abdominal pain is persistent and occurs for a long period of time, it is time to call your doctor. It is always a good idea to err on the side of caution when it comes to pain in your abdomen. The longer you wait to visit a doctor the longer a condition has to develop or worsen.
There are some tell-tale signs something more than a stomachache is present. These symptoms include:
- Intense pain that lasts for more than a day or two
- Dull pain that lasts for more than a week
- Abdominal pain and pain while urinating
- Unexpected weight loss
- Pain accompanied by severe diarrhea that lasts days
- Pain and fever
There are times when you should seek emergency medical attention. These cases include when there is blood present in your blood or stool, constant nausea, or vomiting, vomiting blood, intense tenderness of the abdomen, swelling and/or hardness of the abdomen, difficulty breathing and yellowish color to your skin.
If you are pregnant, have had recent surgery or have had any kind of trauma to the abdomen, and now feel pain, you should be seen by a doctor emergently.
The Bottom Line
Abdominal pain is usually not a big deal, but you should keep an eye out for symptoms of times it could be more than just a stomachache or food poisoning. You know your body more than anyone else, so trust your instincts. If you feel like something is not right, call your doctor.
Most importantly, however, don’t try to self-diagnose. You’ll either under- or over-exaggerate your diagnosis. It’s always good to speak to a medical professional.
If you would like to talk to a medical professional about persistent abdominal pain, give us a call today.SAMPA is consisted of six experienced, board-certified doctors as well as a team of certified registered nurse practitioners. We are dedicated to making sure you lead the happiest and healthiest life possible through both surgical and non-surgical means.
