7 Lifestyle Changes That Can Ease Chronic Constipation
Chronic constipation can be more than a daily inconvenience; it can rule your life. But with the right strategies and guidance, relief is within reach.
What's Causing My Persistent Abdominal Pain?
Everyone gets abdominal pain occasionally. Whether from overeating or indigestion, the pain can be uncomfortable but is usually brief and resolves on its own. However, in some situations, abdominal pain is a sign of an underlying issue that requires expert medical care.
Dr. M. Rodwan Hiba and the rest of the Premier Gastroenterology team in Brooksville, Florida, want patients to know when abdominal pain should prompt a visit to a digestive specialist. Our team provides top-quality gastroenterology care and can perform a thorough evaluation to help you get answers about what’s causing your stomach trouble.
Read on to learn more about what may be causing your persistent abdominal pain, and when it’s time to see a doctor.
Abdominal pain location matters
Your abdomen houses numerous vital organs, ranging from your appendix and gallbladder to your large intestine, so the location of your stomach pain matters. If your abdominal pain is limited to one area, especially on one side, it could be an indication of organ involvement.
The appendix, for example, may cause discomfort in the right lower abdomen, while the gallbladder may cause pain in the upper right area. In any event, persistent discomfort in a specific location should be evaluated by a doctor.
Pain in the upper, middle abdomen is frequently connected to heartburn. It’s always best to consult your digestive doctor if you are having abdominal pain for an extended period of time, even if it isn’t severe — even a persistent, dull ache requires evaluation.
Common causes of persistent abdominal pain
Your small and large intestines, pancreas, gallbladder, liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs are located in your abdomen. Issues with any of these organs can cause problems like abdominal pain.
The following are some of the issues that trigger persistent stomach pain.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Peptic ulcers
- Gallstones
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Appendicitis
- Hernia
- Pancreatitis
Chronic constipation is another common, often overlooked, cause of persistent abdominal discomfort. Constipation can occur if you don't drink enough water, don't get enough exercise, have a poor diet, or take certain medications.
Straining to have a bowel movement, being unable to pass stool completely, and having dry, hard stools are some typical signs of constipation to look out for. Having fewer than three bowel movements a week is also a sign of constipation. If you notice any of these signs, get checked out by a digestive specialist.
Expert care for digestive symptoms
Stomach discomfort is one of the most common symptoms linked with numerous digestive disorders. Seeing a gastrointestinal specialist is the best approach to getting to the root of what is causing your stomach trouble and finding an effective solution.
The Premier Gastroenterology team is dedicated to helping patients find relief from digestive problems. It’s crucial not to dismiss persistent abdominal pain. Give us a call or send us a message to schedule a visit with Dr. Hiba today. We offer in-person and telehealth visits.
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