Abdominal Pain Treatment in Irvine, Santa Ana, Anaheim, & Westminster, CA
Abdominal pain can arise from various digestive issues, including conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastritis, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The expert providers at Gastrointestinal and Liver Consultants understand how disruptive abdominal pain can be to your daily life. With offices in Irvine, Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Westminster, CA, our team is dedicated to providing expert care to help you find relief. Whether your abdominal pain is mild or severe, occasional or persistent, we take a personalized approach to diagnose the cause and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Abdominal Pain Q&A
What Is Abdominal Pain?
Abdominal pain refers to discomfort or pain felt anywhere between your chest and pelvis. It can feel like a dull ache, sharp stabbing, cramping, or even a burning sensation. The pain may come and go or remain constant, and its intensity can vary from mild to severe. While occasional abdominal pain is often harmless and linked to minor issues like indigestion, persistent or severe pain can signal a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.
What causes abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain can have many causes, ranging from mild to serious. Some common causes:
Digestive Issues:
- Indigestion: overeating, spicy food, eating too fast
- Gas/bloating: trapped air in digestive system
- Constipation: difficulty passing stool
- Diarrhea: caused by infection, food intolerances, or conditions like IBS
- Acid reflux (GERD): stomach acid irritating the esophagus
Inflammatory Conditions:
- Irritable bowel syndrome: chronic digestive discomfort
- Inflammatory bowel disease: Crohn's disease or Ulcerative colitis
- Gastritis: inflammation of stomach lining
- Pancreatitis: inflammation of the pancreas
- Cholecystitis: inflammation of the gallbladder
Infections:
- Viral or bacterial infections: stomach flu (gastroenteritis)
- Appendicitis: infection and inflammation of the appendix
- Diverticulitis: infected pouches in the colon
How is abdominal pain treated?
The treatment for abdominal pain depends on the underlying cause, which can range from mild digestive issues to serious medical conditions. While mild abdominal pain often resolves on its own, persistent or severe pain should not be ignored. If your pain lasts for more than a few days, or if it is accompanied by symptoms like fever, vomiting, blood in your stool, or unexplained weight loss, it’s time to see a specialist.