The Importance of Seeing a Gastroenterologist for Chronic Stomach Pain

Stomach pain is a common problem and may resolve without treatment. If you are experiencing chronic stomach pain, it could be a symptom of a more serious condition, so it’s important to visit your gastroenterologist. The Centers for Digestive Health doctors provide a full range of GI services, including diagnosis and treatment of chronic stomach pain. They have two convenient office locations in Munster and Dyer, IN to help you.

What You Need To Know About Chronic Stomach Pain

Occasional mild stomach pain can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection such as the flu. Other causes of mild, occasional stomach pain include:

• Chronic constipation
• Lactose intolerance
• Food allergies
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Chronic stomach pain can be a symptom of a more serious condition, so visiting your gastroenterologist is important. Chronic stomach pain can be a symptom of:

• An ulcer
• Acute gastritis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Crohn’s Disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Stomach cancer

In addition to chronic stomach pain, you should also visit your gastroenterologist if you are experiencing:

• A fever over 101 degrees
• Blood in your stools
• Vomiting blood
• Difficulty breathing
• Yellowing of your skin or eyes
• Abdominal swelling

Your gastroenterologist will complete a comprehensive examination, which may include diagnostic tools and imaging such as ultrasound, colonoscopy, and endoscopy. Laboratory testing of blood and stool may also be recommended.

Depending on the cause of your stomach pain, the gastroenterologist may recommend medications to reduce stomach acid, intestinal spasms, and other symptoms. Surgery may be indicated to remove or repair damaged tissue.

Diet and lifestyle modifications are an important part of dealing with stomach pain. It’s important to:

• Eat a bland diet of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT)
• Eat smaller amounts of food slowly
• Take a small amount of ginger or peppermint
• Drink licorice or chamomile tea
• Take over-the-counter antacids
• Avoid smoking and tobacco use
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Limit aspirin or NSAID medications

Want To Know More About Chronic Stomach Pain?

To learn more about chronic stomach pain and the importance of seeing a gastroenterologist, talk with the doctors at Centers for Digestive Health. You can reach them in the Dyer and Munster, IN, offices by calling (219) 922-4900. Call today.