Abdominal Pain
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Sam Weissman, MD
Gastroenterologist located in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, NY
Everyone experiences abdominal pain on occasion, but if your symptoms persist for longer than a week and don’t respond to conservative treatment, it may point to a more serious underlying problem. At his practice in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, board-certified gastroenterologist Sam Weissman, MD, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal pain. To make an appointment at the practice in New York City, call the office today or schedule online.
Abdominal Pain Q & A
What is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain refers to any cramping or discomfort that occurs between your chest and pelvic region. For some people, abdominal pain is a minor annoyance that responds to over-the-counter medication; for others, it’s persistent and caused by an underlying medical problem.
What causes abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain occurs for various reasons, but the most common culprits are infection, abdominal growths, inflammation, and intestinal disorders. Other causes of abdominal pain include:
- Menstrual cramps
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stress
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Lactose intolerance
- Crohn’s disease
- Appendicitis
- Gallbladder stones
You might also experience abdominal pain due to kidney-related issues, like kidney stones or a kidney infection.
What are the types of abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain falls into three categories:
Localized pain
Localized pain occurs in a specific area of the abdomen. The leading cause of localized pain is stomach ulcers –– open sores that form in the lining of the stomach.
Cramp-like pain
In most cases, cramp-like pain occurs due to stomach problems like gas, diarrhea, or bloating. In women, cramping can occur due to menstruation, miscarriage, or reproductive complications.
Colicky pain
Colicky pain occurs suddenly and is very intense. Many people compare the sensation of colicky pain to a severe muscle spasm. Common causes of colicky pain include gallstones and kidney stones.
How is abdominal pain diagnosed?
To determine the source of your abdominal pain, Dr. Weissman conducts a physical exam, gently pressing on various parts of your abdomen to pinpoint areas of tenderness or swelling. If these measures don’t provide enough insight into your condition, he might also order diagnostic imaging like a CT scan or an MRI.
Other diagnostic tests used to determine the source of abdominal pain include:
- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopy
- Upper GI
- Blood, urine, or stool samples
After identifying the source of your symptoms, Dr. Weissman develops a custom treatment plan.
How is abdominal pain treated?
Treatment of abdominal pain depends on the underlying cause and severity of your symptoms. Whenever possible, Dr. Weissman recommends healthy lifestyle changes like drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.
You might also benefit from:
- Medications for inflammation, GERD, or ulcers
- Antibiotics for an infection
- Avoiding certain foods and beverages
- Corticosteroid injections or other interventional pain management techniques
- Surgery
To learn more about the treatment options for abdominal pain, make an appointment at the practice of Sam Weissman, MD, by calling the office today, or scheduling online.
