Abdominal Pain in Little Rock, AR

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People often have a difficult time finding the words to explain abdominal pain. Occasionally described as pain in the lower abdomen, upper abdominal pain, upper stomach pain, stomach pain, etc. Abdominal pain can present as any manner of discomfort between the pelvis and the chest. It may seem non-specific and hard to explain. Oftentimes, pain in your abdomen can be a minor issue, but it is imperative to listen to your body and the messages that it is sending you. There can be several possible conditions or reasons why you may be experiencing stomach pain. If you suffer from frequent now-and-then stomach problems, it may be time to see a specialist who can provide treatment for abdominal pain in Little Rock, AR. You can locate a gastrointestinal provider near you by calling GastroArkansas.

Abdominal or stomach pain might be due to several minor issues. These typically involve:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Pain often develops in the lower abdomen but can be in any portion of the abdomen. Pain may intensify shortly after eating.
  • Difficulty passing hard stool
  • Food allergies (such as gluten intolerance or lactose intolerance). Common food allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, shellfish, and milk.
  • Food poisoning: A foodborne illness due to toxins in food from parasites, bacteria, or viruses. Symptoms include nausea and vomiting.
  • A potential stomach virus: This could be a stomach flu or other virus.
  • An excess of gas
  • Difficulty with digestion (dyspepsia)

Other more serious conditions that can cause abdominal pain include:

  • Stomach cancer: Symptoms might include pain and unusual “fullness” in the upper abdomen.
  • Ulcers: Sores in the stomach lining that can present with abdominal pain.
  • Diverticulitis: Infection/swelling of the colon. This might result in bowel blockage and abdominal swelling.
  • Colon cancer: Symptoms may include extreme and long-lasting pain in the abdomen, and/or a change in bowel habits.
  • Cholecystitis: Swelling of the gallbladder that presents as severe discomfort in the center or upper right of the abdomen.
  • Appendicitis: Swelling of the appendix. This could feel like a dull pain in one's abdomen that transfers to the lower right abdomen and becomes sharper.
  • Bowel obstruction or blockage: Prevention of digested waste from passing through the bowel.
  • Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis): Symptoms present with extreme pain in one's back and side from the lower abdomen to the groin.
  • Pancreatitis: Swelling of the pancreas. Pain is often experienced in the upper abdomen, radiating to the back.
  • Crohn’s disease: An inflammatory disease of the intestines that results in abdominal pain and frequent diarrhea.
  • Ulcerative colitis: Inflammatory bowel disease that can manifest in rectal and abdominal cramps and extreme discomfort.
  • Insufficient supply of blood to the intestines (intestinal ischemia): This might be due to a blocked blood vessel and could affect intestinal health.
  • GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease): Occurs when stomach acid pushes back into the esophagus. Symptoms may involve recurring heartburn.

If you are experiencing continued abdominal pain in Little Rock, AR don't delay in finding the source. Call and speak with one of our skilled GI specialists as abdominal pain can be a sign of a more serious condition.

Sometimes, abdominal pain can be isolated to the lower portion of the abdomen. Some common sources of lower abdominal pain include:

  • Bowel blockage: The complete halting of digested waste from traveling through the intestine.
  • Gas: Feels like pressure in the abdomen and might include flatulence and burping.
  • Indigestion: Discomfort resulting from indigestion in one's lower abdomen is rare and a result of a buildup of acid following eating.
  • Constipation: The inability to pass and/or difficulty passing stool.
  • Lactose intolerance: The inability to fully digest lactose found in dairy.
  • Hernia: When a body part or organ forces its way into the abdominal wall.
  • Appendicitis: Swelling of the appendix. This may present as a dull pain in the abdomen that moves to the lower right abdomen and becomes worse.
  • Flu (stomach flu): Infection of the intestines. Can manifest as cramping, nausea, and fever.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Common disorder of the colon.
  • IBD (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis): The term for any chronic swelling in the digestive tract.
  • Diverticulitis: Inflammation or infection of the walls of the intestines.
  • Celiac sprue (Celiac disease): Adverse reaction to gluten, found in wheat, barley, and rye.

If you are experiencing pain in the lower portion of your abdomen, contact GastroArkansas to request a consultation with a provider near you so they can help to determine the source of the pain.

If you or a loved one are experiencing extreme, unrelenting pain in the abdomen accompanied by any of the below-listed issues, emergency care might be necessary. Abdominal pain should be reviewed by an emergency provider without delay if:

  • Pain extends from the stomach to your back
  • Your stomach is very tender to the touch
  • Your abdominal pain is accompanied by a fever
  • Bloody stool or bloody urine
  • Trouble breathing or pain in your chest
  • Unable to eat without vomiting
  • Blood in your vomit
  • Unusual heartbeat

The best advice is that it is better to be safe than sorry. If the pain in your stomach is recurring, even if it is not extreme, meeting with your nearest GI specialist may still be necessary. Our experienced specialists routinely provide care for individuals with abdominal pain in Little Rock, AR and are available to help you with your GI symptoms. Blood in one's stool should never be ignored and should most certainly be assessed by a medical provider. If you have blood in your stool we urge you to get in touch with GastroArkansas today.

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Due to the numerous sources of abdominal pain, the most effective and efficient method for treating abdominal pain is to seek a diagnosis from a GI specialist. The experienced team of gastroenterologists at GastroArkansas strives to provide the best in patient-centered care. As leaders in gastrointestinal health, our specialists can conduct an array of diagnostic tests and provide treatment for a wide variety of conditions that result in abdominal pain. To meet with a provider who can provide treatment for abdominal pain in Little Rock, AR, please contact a GastroArkansas location in your area at your earliest convenience to request a consultation.

Had my first procedure done today there . Been having upper abdominal pain and swelling , they told me they were gonna do an oral scope to check my gallbladder . The people were super nice and made everything very relaxing and did a great job explaining . But when I woke up from the scope they told me they did check my gallbladder or liver ? He went down to esophagus that meets my stomach . And I’m still having pain , still not sure if I will have to go back or not .

N.W. Google

My experience with Dr JCraig Davis was great. It was very informative. Very clean place and the staff was very helpful and friendly. He was very helpful to explain my condition and he set my up for a test. I would recommend DR Davis to anyone who has abdominal pain. Thank you for your great care while I was in your office at Gastro Arkansas. I am very satisfied with my results. Great place and great doctor. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

E.S. Google

Dr Morrison is very helpful and professional. Nurse was kind and polite. Answered all my questions.

N.A. Google

To be honest ,I never met a doctor such as Dr.Backstedt ,who is so particular in explaining an issue in a very plain language..He is willing to spend as much time as needed to answer all questions..I have to ad one more aspect being he’s patient..Just recently had a colonoscopy and endoscopy at the same time and it was perfectly performed by dr.Backstedt and after those procedures he again spent at least 30-40 minutes in post surgery room..It’s so rare in today’s day and age..

S.L. Google

I had been having abdominal pain for 2 days, but didn’t feel it was urgent enough to go to the emergency room. I called Dr. Kakati’s office and he personally called me back to figure out the best plan of care. He ended up working me into his schedule that day. His staff was personable and efficient. I highly recommend Dr. Kakati and the team at GastroArkansas.

J.B. Google

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