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Most people expect the occasional stomach ache, but persistent discomfort is different because it can point to something your body has been trying to manage for a while. Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons people go to the emergency room, and the causes can range from simple gas or bloating to serious gastrointestinal conditions that require evaluation by a gastroenterologist.
Continue reading to learn about common causes for abdominal pain, and what symptoms signal that it’s time to see the best gastroenterologist in Los Angeles for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Common Causes of Persistent Abdominal Pain
Persistent abdominal pain can feel like a puzzle you just can’t solve. Whether it’s a slow burn under the ribs, a twisting feeling low in the belly, or a pressure that comes and goes without warning, every symptom is another piece to finding the cause.
Most abdominal pain isn’t dangerous, but certain signs and symptoms can signal medical conditions like:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Abdominal infections or inflammatory bowel diseases, including gastritis
- Constipation, gas, or bloating
- Diverticulitis
- GERD
- Crohn’s disease
- An appendicitis
- Gallstones
- A bowel obstruction
- Peptic ulcers
When is Abdominal Pain an Emergency?
While abdominal pain can start out feeling manageable, it can become an emergency situation quickly. Understanding the symptoms of an emergency can help you get the right care sooner and avoid complications. You should go to the emergency room if you have abdominal pain along with:
- A fever or difficulty breathing
- Blood in your stool or bloody vomit
- Vomiting that won’t stop or the inability to eat
- Stools that look like tar or coffee grounds
- Severe abdominal pain that prevents you from moving or gets worse with movement
- Abdominal swelling
Recognizing these red flags early can protect your health and prevent a concerning situation from becoming something far more serious.
What to Expect When You See a Gastroenterologist to Evaluate the Source of Your Abdominal Pain
When abdominal pain keeps coming back or changes, especially after eating or drinking, it’s time to talk to your doctor. A gastroenterologist can help get to the bottom of things and start you on the path to recovery. During your visit, they will ask you to describe what the pain feels like, when it tends to show up, and what seems to make it better or worse. They’ll also ask about your bowel habits and your use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which can increase the risk of ulcers. These details help guide the next steps, which usually include a gentle physical examination to check for tender spots or swelling.
After a physical exam, they will likely order blood or urine tests to look for signs of infection or inflammation. Imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, can offer a clear view of your stomach, intestines, gallbladder, or other organs if needed. If necessary, procedures like an endoscopy or colonoscopy can give doctors a closer look or gather tissue samples for lab testing. These tests are especially important if you’re over 45 or have risk factors for stomach cancer or colon cancer.
Finding the Best Gastroenterologist in Los Angeles for Accurate Diagnosis and Effective Treatment of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can be both exhausting and isolating. For those across West LA, including Santa Monica and Century City, Elite Digestive Health offers a patient-first approach to care with compassion and accuracy as our focus. By combining specialized diagnostic tools and the deep expertise of Dr. Basseri, we uncover the root of GI symptoms instead of masking them.
At our Beverly Hills office, our team is committed to listening closely and linking those details with advanced testing to find what’s happening inside your body and get you real answers without long delays or uncertainty.
Ready to finally get to the bottom of your abdominal pain and get effective treatments from the best gastroenterologist in Los Angeles?
