Abdominal Pain: When Is It Time to Visit a Doctor?

Everyone has felt stomach pain in their lives to one degree or another. Sometimes, though, this pain can become so severe that it becomes a concern. It might seem like there is a hazy line between when you are concerned, and when there is a real issue that needs to be addressed by a gastroenterologist.

Location of Abdominal Pain Matters

You’d hate to go to the doctor just for them to tell you that your problem was just a simple case of gas. Let’s take a look at a few of the locations that you feel abdominal pain so that you can know what pain in these locations means.

Pain in the upper, middle abdomen.

This is the area where the esophagus attaches to the stomach. Pain here might indicate simple heartburn which can be alleviated through the use of antacids. However, Other more serious conditions such as heart problems, panic attacks, and inflammation may present themselves in the same way. If you suspect that your pain is not caused by simple heartburn, then it’s best to call a doctor right away. Better safe than sorry.

Pain in the lower abdomen.

Pain, cramping, and discomfort in this area are generally associated with constipation or gas. It is typically nothing to worry about, and you can relieve the symptoms with increased fluid intake, fiber, or laxatives.

The reason that people worry about pain in this area is because they fear that the pain may be associated with colon cancer. However, colon cancer often presents no symptoms whatsoever, that’s why it’s so important to be checked if you are over 50.

Pain that is localized.

Pain located in one specific spot on either side of the abdomen could indicate a problem with an internal organ and could be very serious. The appendix is located in the lower right area of the abdomen, and the gallbladder is located in the upper right. Any persistent or severe pain in these areas should be investigated by a doctor.

Severity and endurance of abdominal pain will be different depending on the underlying cause. Of course, severe and repeating pain should be checked out by a doctor, especially if it lasts hours at a time.