Stomach Pain Treatment

At least eight major organs reside within the area of abdomen. These include the intestines, gallbladder and pancreas among others. With so much located there, it’s no wonder that any of these organs can be the source of your stomach pain and discomfort.

Stomach pain symptoms can be varied:

• It can be localized, affecting one section of the abdomen -- upper abdomen, lower abdomen, right side, left side, middle
• Stomach cramps that can vary from mild to severe. Some stomach cramps are so bad that they make you double over in pain. This type of pain typically comes and goes.
• A jolting pain that comes on quickly and suddenly and can feel like a muscle spasm

What Causes Stomach and Abdominal Pain?

Typical reasons for stomach and abdominal pain include blockages, unusual growths, infection, inflammation and intestinal problems.

Constipation, diarrhea, stomach flu (also known as gastroenteritis) are other causes. Acid reflux, sometimes also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease or heartburn, is another main cause. Acid reflux disease is when stomach acid or bile backs up into the esophagus irritating the tissue of the food pipe.

Stomach ulcers are a painful feeling between your chest and belly button. They are sores in the small intestine or stomach lining. Mucus guarding the stomach from digestive acid becomes reduced. Without sufficient mucus, digestive acid destroys the protective tissue and causes the sores. Infection and excess acid are two possible causes of stomach ulcers.

Stomach Pain Diagnosis & Treatment

Your primary care doctor or urgent care provider will do an examination.  They’ll press on areas of your abdomen looking for swelling or tenderness. Imaging tests such as MRIs, ultrasounds or x-rays may be ordered to see tissues and organs.  These imaging tests can help find inflammation, tumors, bursts, breakages or other abnormalities. Blood, urine or stool tests may also be performed to identify infections.

Your initial treatment by a primary care doctor or urgent care provider might include antacids, anti-nausea medicine, intravenous fluids, pain medicine or an enema to empty the colon.