Abdominal Pain Diagnosis & Treatment Doctor in Illinois

Abdominal pain can have many causes, ranging from mild and easily treatable to serious and requiring immediate medical attention. The following are a few of the most frequent reasons: 

Gastrointestinal disorders, including gas, gastric reflux, gastritis, peptic ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which can cause a variety of symptoms, from abdominal pain and bloating to diarrhea or constipation. Also, food intolerances, allergies, and disorders of the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas can lead to abdominal pain.

We are experienced in dealing with chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, which can result in persistent abdominal discomfort. More critically, our team is trained to identify symptoms of life-threatening conditions such as abdominal aortic aneurysms, ischemic bowel disease, or cancer, which require immediate medical attention.

We also understand how stress or anxiety can trigger physical symptoms like abdominal pain. However, we emphasize the importance of not disregarding persistent or severe abdominal pain, as it may indicate a serious underlying medical condition requiring immediate treatment.

Regardless of the cause, we are committed to providing comprehensive care for any abdominal pain concerns. If abdominal pain is severe, ongoing, or getting worse, we urge you to consult with our healthcare professionals to obtain the attention and responses you require.

If you suffer from severe, ongoing abdominal pain, or pain accompanied by other symptoms like fever, nausea, vomiting, bloody stools, or changes in bowel or bladder habits, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Discomfort can be reduced with an early diagnosis and suitable therapy and prevent complications.

The intensity of abdominal pain can vary from minor discomfort to excruciating pain and may be a symptom of numerous conditions, some mild and some severe. It’s vital to recognize when you should seek medical attention, specifically from our experienced healthcare professionals at Cermak and NewMed Immediate Care.

If your abdominal pain is severe or sudden, it’s crucial to see a doctor immediately. This can indicate a serious sickness such as appendicitis, a ruptured abdominal organ, a perforated ulcer, or severe pancreatitis.

Chronic pain that doesn’t go away or gets worse with time should also not be ignored. If the pain has persisted for more than a few days or 24 hours, it’s important to schedule an appointment with our healthcare practitioners. Chronic abdominal pain could indicate a variety of conditions, including ulcers, gallstones, or even cancer.

Abdominal pain accompanied by fever, especially with chills and sweats, suggests an infection that requires treatment. Similarly, persistent vomiting accompanying the pain can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which our team is well-equipped to manage.

Other alarming symptoms that should prompt a visit include vomiting blood, having bloody or black stools, a high fever, swelling of the abdomen, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or abdominal pain with frequent urination or burning.

Our skilled team of medical professionals is well-equipped to diagnose and manage common causes of abdominal pain, such as gastrointestinal disorders, including indigestion, gastroenteritis, gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease. With our comprehensive understanding, we can provide effective treatments for symptoms like heartburn, nausea, bloating, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.

Abdominal pain that worsens with meals may indicate gallbladder disease or pancreatitis, and pain that worsens with lying down may be a sign of pancreatitis or a hiatus hernia. Additionally, any abdominal pain during pregnancy should be evaluated by our highly trained healthcare professionals.

Changes in bowel habits such as constipation, diarrhea, or bloody stools accompanying abdominal pain can indicate underlying medical conditions. Pain that spreads to different body areas may be associated with serious conditions like a heart attack or pulmonary embolism.

We understand that abdominal pain may indicate several illnesses, some more serious than others. If you’re experiencing persistent or severe abdominal pain, we urge you to seek medical attention immediately. Our team is here to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment.

Diagnosing abdominal pain involves a comprehensive approach to identify the root cause, which is vital for administering the appropriate treatment. Our process commences with a detailed medical history of the patient. The healthcare professionals at our medical group will ask about the duration, intensity, and location of the pain, as well as any other associated symptoms. Other factors like diet, lifestyle, and any history of similar complaints are also taken into consideration to gain valuable insights into the cause.

During a physical examination, our healthcare professionals will palpate the abdomen to assess for tenderness, rigidity, distention, masses, or organomegaly. This hands-on approach enables our doctors to pinpoint the exact location of the pain and check for any abnormalities.

If the initial history taking and physical examination do not provide a clear diagnosis, further tests may be ordered. These tests can help reveal signs of infection, anemia, electrolyte imbalances, organ dysfunction, hepatobiliary or pancreatic disorders, or infectious causes of diarrhea.

In some cases, we might also perform other tests, like a pregnancy test for women of childbearing age or a gynecological examination to rule out pelvic or uterine disorders.

In certain cases where other tests have not been successful in identifying the cause of the pain, our doctors might recommend surgery for diagnosis. It is critical to keep in mind that every patient is different, and our healthcare professionals will tailor the diagnostic process depending on the unique conditions and symptoms of each patient. Thus, the specific diagnostic tests selected depend on the patient’s symptoms, history, and physical examination findings.

At Cermak and NewMed Immediate Care, we utilize a combination of approaches to accurately diagnose the underlying cause of abdominal pain and recommend the appropriate treatment. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Cicero IL, Austin, Berwyn Chicago IL, Chicago IL, River North Chicago IL, Englewood Chicago IL, Hoffman Estates IL, Bloomingdale IL, Hanover Park IL, Rolling Meadows IL, Williamsburg Rolling Meadows IL, Mt Prospect IL, and surrounding areas.