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A stomachache might seem like no big deal, but if it keeps coming back or starts interfering with your day, it can be a sign you have a problem. Stomach pain is one of the top reasons people return to outpatient clinics and ERs, highlighting the need for expert digestive care that goes beyond guessing and temporary solutions.
From food sensitivities and infections to chronic gut disorders, stomach pain can have dozens of triggers, and for those struggling with ongoing or concerning digestive issues, a visit to a gastroenterologist is invaluable and potentially life-saving.
Read on to learn how a GI doctor uses highly skilled expertise and advanced testing to get to the root of your digestive issues, and where to find the best GI doctor for abdominal pain in Los Angeles.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Stomach Pain?
Common digestive issues like gas, bloating, or constipation are often the cause of stomach pain that many people shrug off or blame on something they ate. But if these symptoms are recurring or fall into a pattern based on your diet, it can point to deeper problems that can mimic each other and make self-diagnosis tricky. Common GI disorders that cause stomach pain include:
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Peptic ulcers
- Gallbladder disease
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Food intolerances or food sensitivities
When Should You See a Gastroenterologist for Stomach Pain?
A GI specialist has the advanced tools and training to go deeper than general medicine can, using tests like endoscopy, colonoscopy, or imaging to spot problems that aren't always visible through basic exams. The best way to know if you should visit a GI doctor is to pay close attention to red flags:
- Pain that doesn’t go away or returns intermittently
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain with a fever
- Abdominal pain with vomiting, especially after eating certain foods
- Black and tarry stools that can indicate blood in the stool
- Trouble swallowing
- Pain that wakes you at night
- Frequent or recurring diarrhea
Could Your Stomach Pain Be a Gut Disorder?
If your stomach pain is paired with bloating, cramping, or unpredictable bathroom habits, it could be a sign of a gut disorder like IBS or SIBO.
- Irritable bowel syndrome is a common condition that causes these symptoms, even though nothing usually shows up on standard imaging tests. That’s why it’s often diagnosed based on your symptoms and a process of ruling out other conditions.
- Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth causes very similar symptoms but can be identified through a simple, non-invasive breath test that measures the gases produced by excess bacteria in your small intestine.
The good news is that both IBS and SIBO are treatable, and with the right mix of dietary changes, medications, or targeted antibiotics, many people find lasting relief and a better quality of life.
How Do Doctors Diagnose the Cause of Abdominal Pain?
When stomach pain doesn’t have an obvious cause, a gastroenterologist can use a variety of tests to figure out what’s going on beneath the surface:
- Lab work or blood tests to check for signs of infection, inflammation, or nutrient deficiencies is usually the first and most minimally invasive place to start.
- Diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, can help detect structural issues, including gallstones, inflammation, or blockages.
- An endoscopy for a detailed look inside your esophagus and stomach, or a colonoscopy to inspect your colon, provides your gastroenterologist with the most detailed and clear view of the digestive tract.
Can Stress and Diet Cause Stomach Pain?
Absolutely! Stress and diet can both play a major role in stomach pain. Thanks to the gut-brain connection, your digestive system reacts strongly to emotional stress, so factors like anxiety, work pressure, or poor sleep can actually trigger or worsen GI symptoms, such as cramping, bloating, or nausea.
What you eat matters, too. Foods high in fat, dairy products, artificial sweeteners, and even caffeine are common culprits that can irritate the gut. If you notice that your symptoms seem tied to certain meals or moods, it may be worth trying a low FODMAP diet, which removes common trigger foods to see what brings relief. In some cases, food sensitivity testing can also help pinpoint which ingredients your body has trouble digesting.
What Happens If It’s Something More Serious?
Diseases like Crohn’s or Ulcerative colitis often begin with subtle symptoms like cramping, fatigue, or frequent trips to the bathroom, which are easy to mistake for less serious problems. Colon cancer can be even more difficult to detect early on, as it may not cause any noticeable symptoms until it’s more advanced. That’s why regular screenings like colonoscopies are so important, especially for people over 45 or those with a family history.
Finding the Best Doctor for Abdominal Pain in Los Angeles
When stomach pain or digestive distress starts to feel like your normal, it’s time to find a doctor who won’t settle for vague answers. Dr. Benjamin Basseri leads our team with a rare combination of advanced training, clinical precision, and genuine compassion. As a UCLA-trained gastroenterologist and native Angeleno, Dr. Basseri brings deep expertise in diagnosing complex GI conditions, from reflux and IBS to liver disease and colon cancer, paired with an approach that truly listens.
At our state-of-the-art clinic in Beverly Hills, we use the most advanced tools available to uncover what others might miss, and we design every treatment plan around what matters most to you: comfort and long-lasting health.
Ready to get to the bottom of your digestive issue and improve your gut health with the best doctor for abdominal pain in Los Angeles?
