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Abdominal Pain Specialist

Gastroenterology and Nutrition of Central Florida -  - Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterology and Nutrition of Central Florida

Gastroenterologists & Certified Nutritionists located in The Villages, Leesburg, & Wildwood, FL

Abdominal pain is common and rarely caused by a serious health condition. However, if you have severe abdominal pain or your abdominal pain is a chronic problem, it may be a sign that you have an underlying health condition that would benefit from further investigation. At Gastroenterology & Nutrition of Central Florida, our experienced doctors and providers specialize in diagnosing the root cause of abdominal pain. Call the office in The Villages, Leesburg, or Brownwood Paddock Square in Wildwood, Florida, to schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.

Abdominal Pain Q & A

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is a general term that describes any discomfort you feel in your abdominal area, which runs from your chest to your groin.

The type of pain you feel helps determine the underlying cause of your discomfort. Common abdominal pain symptoms include:

Generalized pain

With generalized abdominal pain, your discomfort affects more than half of your body. Common causes of generalized pain include indigestion, stomach virus, or an intestinal blockage.

Colicky pain

Colicky abdominal pain means your pain comes and goes in waves. Causes of this type of abdominal pain include gallstones and kidney stones.

Localized pain

Localized pain means your abdominal pain affects one area of your body, which may indicate a problem with a specific organ. Common causes of localized pain include appendicitis, acid reflux, or gallbladder disease. 

Cramping

Cramping abdominal pain is rarely a serious health concern and is often caused by a bacterial or viral infection. With cramping, you may also have gas, bloating, and diarrhea. 

What causes abdominal pain?

You may develop abdominal pain from any number of causes. Common gastrointestinal conditions that may cause ongoing abdominal pain include:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Liver disease
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Celiac disease
  • Pancreas disease
  • Hepatitis
  • Diverticulitis
  • Gallstones
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Ulcers

If you’re experiencing abdominal pain that doesn’t improve within a few days or have concerns about a gastrointestinal condition, the experienced gastroenterologists at Gastroenterology & Nutrition of Central Florida can help.

What can I expect during an evaluation for abdominal pain?

When you visit Gastroenterology & Nutrition of Central Florida for an abdominal pain evaluation, you can expect a comprehensive exam. Your doctor takes a holistic approach to care and evaluates your whole health, not just your gastrointestinal system.

During the exam, they review your symptoms, medical and family history, and conduct a physical exam. To confirm or rule out the underlying cause of your abdominal pain, they may request various diagnostic tests, such as:

  • Blood work
  • Urinalysis
  • Stool analysis
  • Colonoscopy
  • Upper endoscopy
  • Capsule endoscopy
  • Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)
  • Flexible sigmoidoscopy

Gastroenterology & Nutrition of Central Florida is a full-service gastroenterology practice, and the doctors perform many diagnostic procedures at the office. 

How is abdominal pain treated?

Your doctor develops personalized treatment plans for abdominal pain based on the underlying cause, the severity of symptoms, and overall health.

Your treatment plan may include diet modification, an increase in fluid intake, or medication to alleviate symptoms.

In some cases, your gastroenterologist may recommend surgical intervention to alleviate your abdominal pain, such as the removal of your gallbladder if you have gallstones.

To schedule an abdominal pain consultation at Gastroenterology & Nutrition of Central Florida, call the office most convenient to you or book an appointment online today.