Abdominal Pain
in Denver, CO
Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can have many causes, some more serious than others. What feels like a stomachache may actually be coming from another organ in your abdomen, or even from outside of your digestive system. Always see your doctor if your pain is unexplained, persistent or severe, or if you have been injured or are pregnant.
Daily Apple Clinic
Daily Apple Clinic is located in Congress Park in Denver, Colorado. Paul Reynolds, FNP and Monica Schonteich, FNP and all of the excellent providers here offer a comprehensive evaluation and effective treatment of abdominal pain for patients of all ages. Please call the office to schedule an appointment or book a consultation online today.
What is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is discomfort anywhere in your belly region - between your ribs and your pelvis. We often think of abdominal pain as “stomach pain” or a “stomachache,” but pain in your abdomen may be coming from other organs, such as your stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas or your small and large intestine.
Abdominal pain can take many forms and may be mild or severe, dull or sharp, burning, achy, crampy, constant or intermittent and either localized or generalized. Other symptoms that may accompany abdominal pain are:
- Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea or constipation
Heartburn, belching and bloating
Hemorrhoids
Fever
What causes abdominal pain?
Most causes are temporary and not serious. They may have to do with digestion, menstruation or a passing virus. Some possible causes of your abdominal pain include:
Gas and gas pain
Overeating
Stomach ulcer
Indigestion
Food poisoning
Food allergies or sensitivities
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Appendicitis
Diverticulitis
Gallstones
Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
Inflammatory bowel disease
Hernia
Endometriosis
Menstrual cramps
Ovulation pain
The list of possibilities is far longer, but in order to diagnose the condition causing your abdominal pain, your provider at Daily Apple Clinic will ask you detailed questions about your pain and review your medical history to determine whether your pain is temporary and not serious or may require emergency treatment. If the cause isn’t immediately apparent, further work up may include blood, stool, or urine testing. Imaging such as ultrasound, X-rays, a CT or endoscopic studies may also be necessary to diagnose your issue.
How can I relieve my abdominal pain?
Importantly, if your pain is not going away on its own, you will need to know what is causing it. Abdominal pain has a wide variety of causes and treatments. Some conditions may require surgery while others may be treated with medication. Some illnesses may require patience as you move through a bout of stomach flu or pass a kidney stone. However, if your stomachache is most likely related to digestion, you can begin by trying:
Bowel rest: Stop eating, or only eat easy-to-digest foods like crackers or bananas
Hydration: Drink plenty of water or a hydration formula
Heat therapy: Try a warm water bottle or a soak in a bath
Home remedies: Try licorice for gas, ginger for indigestion, or peppermint to help relax your intestinal muscles
Diet: Identify and eliminate problem foods from your diet
Toxins: Avoid alcohol, medications and illicit drugs that may be causing your pain
Abdominal pain lasting more than three days may be a cause for concern. If your abdominal pain is chronic or results from an underlying chronic condition, your provider can help you schedule regular visits at Daily Apple Clinic for ongoing treatment.
If you have any questions about any abdominal pain you're currently experiencing, please call us at Daily Apple Clinic for an appointment or book online today.