Stomach And Abdominal Pain
What is Stomach and Abdominal Pain?
- Abdominal pain is the pain felt in the area between the chest and pelvis. Pain can arise from the tissues of the abdominal wall, or originate from organs of the abdomen including the stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, gallbladder and small intestine.
- There are different types of abdominal pain: The pain that is felt in the centre of the upper abdomen is called epigastric pain (some refer to this as “gastric”). The pain that is felt around the umbilicus is called paraumbilical pain. The pain that is felt in the centre lower abdomen is called suprapubic pain.
- Sometimes people call it stomach pain. Strictly, the stomach is an organ in the abdomen and the disease of the stomach normally give rise to pain in the upper abdomen, which is an epigastric pain.
- Belly pain is another non-specific term that often used interchangeably with abdominal pain.
- Stomach pain is one of the common health complaints in Singapore. The abdomen is home to many vital organs, muscles, connective tissues and blood vessels that may be affected, hence there are many various contributing causes to abdominal pain. While most cases of abdominal pain are mild and can be easily treated, it can also be a sign of a serious illness. Seeking early treatment at a stomach pain clinic in Singapore can help ensure timely diagnosis and management.
- Persistent abdominal or stomach pain can significantly impact daily life, making it essential to seek timely medical attention. If you experience ongoing symptoms, consulting a specialist in Singapore can help pinpoint the root cause and determine the best course of treatment. A dedicated stomach pain clinic offers a range of diagnostic tests to evaluate your condition and provide tailored solutions for effective relief.
When To See A Doctor For Abdominal & Stomach Pain
- If you are reaching for antacids, painkillers or medication more often than not, and you are not getting better, it’s time to seek medical help and head to a stomach pain clinic. You may need additional investigation if it occurs more than once a week for six months or longer.
- The symptoms of abdominal pain can vary from mild discomfort to severe, sharp pain, depending on the underlying condition. Some cases may require simple lifestyle changes or medication, while others may need more advanced treatment options. Consulting a specialist ensures that any serious issues are detected early, allowing for prompt medical intervention.
-
Share with your abdominal pain doctor or see a specialist in gastroenterology regarding your symptoms. The abdominal pain doctor may begin with a history and physical examination to make a diagnosis and recommend treatment. A specialist in gastroenterology may carry out several tests at the stomach pain clinic to evaluate the underlying issue, and gastroscopy is often carried out for further evaluation.
Causes Of Abdominal & Stomach Pain
In general, pain in the epigastric area points towards organs like the stomach, duodenum, pancreas, gallbladder and the liver. Diseases such as stomach ulcer, stomach cancer, duodenal ulcer, pancreatitis, pancreas cancer, cholecystitis or biliary colic would present as pain in this area.
Pain around the umbilicus points towards the small bowel, appendix and the right side of the colon. Early appendicitis would be felt in this area. Diseases of the small bowel like Crohn’s disease would also be felt here.
Pain in the lower abdomen would point towards diseases involving the colon, the female reproductive system, and the urinary bladder. Cancer of the colon, ulcerative colitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ovarian mass would sometimes present as pain in this area. A thorough assessment at a specialised clinic can help determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Diagnosis Of Abdominal & Stomach Pain
Accurate diagnosis of abdominal pain is essential for determining the appropriate treatment and achieving symptom relief. A thorough assessment typically involves a detailed medical history, focusing on the location, duration, and severity of the pain, along with any accompanying symptoms. A physical examination may also provide valuable insights into the underlying cause.
Gastroenterology specialists may recommend additional diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, CT scans, gastroscopy, or colonoscopy, to gain a clearer understanding of the condition. If your abdominal pain persists despite treatment from your primary care doctor, seeking evaluation from a specialist is advisable. Delaying medical assessment beyond 2-3 weeks could lead to a missed or delayed diagnosis, potentially affecting treatment outcomes.
