Abdominal pain is drastically uncomfortable for you and sometimes difficult for your doctor to pinpoint and understand. At Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates in Suffolk County, NY, your seven gastroenterologists help patients with a wide variety of conditions which cause this trying discomfort. Here's information on the causes.

What, where and how long?

When you visit your physician in Suffolk County about your abdominal pain be sure to tell him:

• Where your pain is located (the abdomen is divided into four sections or quadrants--upper right and left, lower right and left)
• When it started and what, if anything, may relieve it (is it constant or intermittent?)
• What it feels like (burning, stabbing, cramping)

Also, tell your doctor about any accompanying symptoms such as fever (101.5 or higher in an adult requires medical treatment), diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, bleeding, or tarry stools. Does changing position, eating or antacids help?

Typically, sudden abdominal discomfort is more concerning than chronic pain spread out over several weeks. Tell your doctor if your abdominal pain radiates to another part of your body, including your shoulder or buttocks.

Causes of abdominal pain

To determine the cause of your abdominal pain, your gastroenterologist at Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates in Suffolk County will order blood work, focusing especially on your white blood cell and red blood cell count as indicators of infection, inflammation and bleeding. Also, they'll examine enzyme levels, such as lipase. You may need imaging tests such as an MRI, CT scan, barium X-ray or colonoscopy.

Possible causes of abdominal pain vary in seriousness. Unfortunately, they comprise about eight percent of hospital emergency room visits in the United States, reports American Family Physician. They can include:

• Pregnancy and menstruation
• Appendicitis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Crohn's Disease
• Cholecystitis, an inflammation and blockage of the gallbladder and common bile duct
• Gastritis, or the common stomach flu
• Food poisoning
• Ulcers
• Acid reflux disease
• Lactose intolerance
• Pancreatitis
• Kidney stones

Fortunately, many reasons for belly pain can be eliminated with dietary changes and/or medication. Your GI specialist will work with you to determine what steps are necessary to manage or eliminate your specific problem.

Find out more

At Brookhaven Gastroenterology Associates in Suffolk County, your professional team has your best interests in mind as they sort through your abdominal pain symptoms and arrive at a treatment plan which works. Call the office in Patchogue, NY, for a friendly and helpful consultation. We want you to be healthy and feel your best. Phone (631) 289-0300.