Abdominal Pain

Stuart I. Finkel, MD -  - Board Certified Gastroenterologist

NY Gastroenterology & Digestive Disorders

Stuart I. Finkel, MD

Board Certified Gastroenterologist & Internist located in Upper East Side, New York, NY

Abdominal pain is something everyone experiences at one time or another, and that’s what makes it so difficult to diagnose. Stuart Finkel, MD, of NY Gastroenterology & Digestive Disorders in Upper East Side, New York City, is board-certified in both Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine and has decades of experience in distinguishing troubling pain from false alarms. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today if you’re experiencing abdominal pain.

Abdominal Pain Q & A

What are the common causes of abdominal pain?

Everyone gets stomach aches. It’s one of the most common symptoms for a whole host of different problems ranging in severity. While abdominal pain can be a minor, passing annoyance that doesn’t really mean there’s anything wrong with you, it can also be a sign of a much more serious underlying condition in other cases.

Some of the most common causes of abdominal pain include:

  • Crohn's disease
  • Food poisoning
  • Allergies, like lactose intolerance
  • Gas
  • Ulcers
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • Cramping due to menstruation
  • Endometriosis (in women)
  • Gallstones
  • Kidney stones
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Appendicitis

Being mindful of the exact location, frequency and severity of your abdominal pain can help Dr. Finkel diagnose exactly what’s causing your pain. Be especially wary of pain that grows steadily worse over time, as this can be a sign of progressive diseases like:

  • Cancer in the stomach, spleen, kidneys, pancreas, or liver
  • Enlarged spleen
  • Hepatitis
  • Lead poisoning
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • An abscess, especially on the female reproductive system
  • Uremia, a build-up of waste in your blood

Any one of these conditions can be serious or life-threatening, so make sure you don’t let abdominal pain go on for long without scheduling a visit with Dr. Finkel

When should I see a doctor about my abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain can be severe and come and go quickly, called acute pain, or last for an extended time in what’s called chronic abdominal pain. If your abdominal pain is so severe that you can’t move around easily, get medical attention immediately as this can be a sign of an emergency.

Additionally, you should schedule an appointment at NY Gastroenterology & Digestive Disorders if you notice any of these other troubling symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Lasting nausea and vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Bloody stools
  • Yellowish skin
  • Tenderness when you touch your abdomen
  • Abdominal swelling or distension

These can all indicate that your abdominal pain is caused by something more urgent than gas or too much dinner.

If you’re ready to get to the root of your abdominal pain with Dr. Finkel’s help, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.