Abdominal pain is a common complaint that has a multitude of possible causes. Understanding the reason for your abdominal pain is the first step in designing a treatment plan. Surgeons at Chicago Surgical Clinic in Arlington Heights, Illinois, are experts at diagnosing the underlying cause of your abdominal pain. Our specialists provide outstanding medical care in an environment both welcoming and entirely patient-focused. To find out what’s causing your abdominal pain and what treatment options are available, schedule an appointment online or by phone today.
Abdominal pain is any discomfort affecting the region between the chest and the pelvis. It can include, but is not limited to, bloating, mild to severe cramping, or any number of other uncomfortable symptoms that may occur near your belly button very low in your abdomen or near your sternum (breastbone).
The pain may be constant, come and go in waves, or change in intensity. Sometimes the pain may begin in one area and seemingly travel into another region. For instance, an inflamed or infected pancreas (pancreatitis) can cause upper abdominal pain that often travels to your back and generally worsens with eating.
While still painful, less worrisome causes of abdominal discomfort include:
Additionally, more serious conditions that can cause abdominal pain include:
Because there are so many potential causes of abdominal pain, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis from experts like ours at Chicago Surgical Clinic.
A diagnostic workup for abdominal pain starts with an examination and detailed discussion of your symptoms. Your surgeon will also ask about the nature of your pain, how often it occurs, when it began, and other pertinent questions that help narrow the diagnosis.
You can also expect a variety of diagnostic tests, which may include:
Your doctor may also use diagnostic laparoscopy, which gives them a high-definition view of your inner abdomen.
Once diagnosed, treatment for your condition may include medication and avoiding certain foods, amongst other options. Your doctor may also recommend surgery to treat a bowel obstruction, colon cancer, or any other serious issues discovered.
Many abdominal surgeries can be performed laparoscopically, which is much less invasive than traditional surgery. The laparoscopic method requires only small incisions, resulting in less trauma to surrounding structures, thus generally leading to faster healing.
For an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for your abdominal pain, call Chicago Surgical Clinic or schedule an appointment online today. We also provide urgent and emergency services.
