How to Know When to Visit a Gastroenterologist

Abdominal pain is a very broad term that refers to any pain felt in the stomach or the abdominal region. When pain occurs in this area, it can be due to a myriad of reasons. This often makes it difficult for individuals to determine the need for medical care from a gastroenterologist or a trip to the emergency room. Being educated about abdominal pain can greatly help make the decision easier and save you from worsening symptoms.

Location

When you experience pain in your abdomen, the first thing you should try to pinpoint is the location of the pain. This is an important part of determining the severity of your abdominal pain since there are many organs in this area and a location helps determine which organs or muscles may be causing the problem as well as the most effective treatment.

Severity

The severity of the pain and symptoms that you experience is also an indication of whether or not you should schedule an appointment with a gastroenterologist near you. Some of the warning signs that you need prompt medical care include:

• Blood in stool
• Fever above 100.4 F
• Vomiting or Nausea
• Being short of breath
• A yellow tint to the skin or eyes
• Swelling in the abdominal area
• Tenderness in the abdomen

Endurance of Abdominal Pain

While abdominal pain may not always be cause for concern, you should also pay attention to how long the pain endures. If you have persistent abdominal pain that doesn’t seem to go away for several hours or days, you should consult with a medical professional for an assessment to rule out any health conditions or diseases.

If you’re concerned about the symptoms you may be experiencing, contact a medical professional near you to be seen for a thorough and complete examination of your overall health. A doctor can take a look at what may be causing your symptoms and alleviate them, treating the underlying cause of the issue, and providing recommendations and tips for managing the issue.