Abdominal Pain Specialist
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Kevin McNamara, MD
Board Certified Gastroenterologist located in Tulsa, OK
Abdominal pain is common, and the degree of your pain doesn’t always reflect the seriousness of the underlying cause. If your abdominal pain is an ongoing problem with no known cause, contact Kevin McNamara, MD, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dr. McNamara is a board-certified gastroenterologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal pain, and he can help you find the underlying cause of your discomfort. Call the office or request an appointment through the online booking tool today.
Abdominal Pain Q&A
What is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is a general medical term that refers to any discomfort that occurs between your chest and groin. The type of pain may range from a mild ache to severe, debilitating pain. Your pain may be acute or chronic.
In addition to your discomfort, abdominal pain may also cause other symptoms, such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stools
The type and degree of pain you experience may not always reflect the seriousness of your condition. For example, your bout of acute viral gastroenteritis may cause severe abdominal pain that may not be a serious health issue and usually resolves on its own.
However, appendicitis and colon cancer are life-threatening gastrointestinal conditions that may only cause mild abdominal pain.
What causes abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain may develop from many causes. Some of the most common gastrointestinal causes include:
- Gastroenteritis
- Constipation
- Celiac disease
- Food allergies or intolerance
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Appendicitis
- Pancreatitis
- Liver disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Ulcers
- Cholecystitis
- Bowel blockage or obstruction
- Colon cancer
- Stomach cancer
Abdominal pain may also develop from conditions not related to your gastrointestinal system. Women may experience abdominal pain from gynecological conditions, such as endometriosis or fibroids. Urinary tract infections and kidney stones may also cause abdominal pain.
When should I seek medical help for my abdominal pain?
Though many causes of abdominal pain aren’t serious, you should contact Dr. McNamara for a comprehensive evaluation if you experience the following:
- Abdominal pain that lasts longer than a week
- Abdominal pain that is severe and doesn’t improve within 48 hours
- Stools that are bloody
- Abdominal pain that is chronic, even if your pain only occurs a few times a month
- A decrease in your normal appetite
You should also contact the board-certified gastroenterologist if you’re experiencing diarrhea that lasts five or more days, you haven’t had a bowel movement in three or more days, or you’re losing weight.
What can I expect during an evaluation for abdominal pain?
Dr. McNamara is an experienced gastroenterologist and performs comprehensive evaluations when you come to the office with concerns about abdominal pain.
Due to the many potential causes of your pain, he asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical and family history, and performs a thorough physical exam.
To confirm or rule out the cause of your abdominal pain, Dr. McNamara may request diagnostic testing, such as stool testing, blood work, X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasound. He may also recommend an endoscopy or colonoscopy.
Once Dr. McNamara has confirmed a diagnosis, he works closely with you developing a treatment plan to alleviate your pain and improve your health.
Abdominal pain isn’t always a serious health problem, but shouldn’t be ignored if your pain is ongoing. For comprehensive care, contact the office of Kevin McNamara, MD, by phone or online today.
