Stomach Pain

If you are having sudden and severe symptoms, don’t wait - seek out immediate medical attention. If this is not the case, you still need to make an appointment with your doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. While you are waiting, you might be looking to try to figure out what could be wrong. As there are perhaps hundreds of digestive disorders that could be the problem, and other non-GI related disorders that could be contributing to your symptoms, it may seem like a daunting task to try to find answers.

In an effort to help you to sort it all out, I offer you the following tools based on your predominant stomach problem. Click on the appropriate link and you will be given a few simple questions to answer. Based on your response, you will be given basic information about relevant diagnostic possibilities

Heartburn
Heartburn is a burning sensation that arises in your chest and upper abdomen. At times, it is accompanied by a burning sensation in your throat and you may burp up stomach acid. Heartburn is a primary symptom of a condition called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). As chest discomfort may also signify heart disease, it is essential that you discuss any symptoms of pain in your upper abdomen with your doctor.

Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are particularly unpleasant digestive symptoms, ones that we would all prefer to avoid. There was even a classic Seinfeld television episode, in which Jerry talked about his non-vomiting streak. Although vomiting is sometimes simply the way the body deals with unwanted infectious intruders, vomiting can also be a sign that a more serious problem exists within the body.

Diarrhea
Are you experiencing loose, watery and frequent stools? There are many reasons why a person might be experiencing diarrhea. As you seek answers, it is essential to remember that a major health risk associated with diarrhea is dehydration. So be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

Stomach Pain
Pain in your abdomen can be the result of a variety of medical disorders. If the pain is sudden and acute, this could be the sign of a more serious health problem and you need to seek immediate medical attention. Ongoing abdominal pain also warrants further investigation.

Constipation
Constipation involves infrequent bowel movements and stools that are hard, dry and difficult to pass. Often there is a feeling that you haven’t completely emptied your bowel. Constipation does not always indicate a diagnosable health problem. For example, the cause could simply be a side effect of medication or a diet that is lacking in an adequate amount of dietary fiber.

Intestinal Gas
Although embarrassing, the passing of intestinal gas is usually just a normal part of digestion. If you feel that your symptoms of gas are excessive, the following guide can help you better understand what is going on with your body and what you can do about it: