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Abdominal Pain Specialist

North Tarrant Health Providers Balaguru Sambandam, MD, FACS Our Services Abdominal Pain

North Tarrant Health Providers

Balaguru Sambandam, MD, FACS

General Surgery located in Fort Worth, TX

Very often, there's a straightforward explanation for abdominal pain, and it resolves itself without needing medical attention. However, if your pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, you should contact Balaguru Sambandam, MD, FACS, at North Tarrant Health Providers in Fort Worth, Texas. Dr. Sambandam excels in diagnosing and treating gastrointestinal causes of abdominal pain, including the use of advanced surgical techniques for conditions like gallbladder disease and hernias. To find a solution to your abdominal pain, call North Tarrant Health Providers today or book an appointment online.

Abdominal Pain Q & A

 

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is a broad term for discomfort or tenderness in the area below your waist and above your hips. Abdominal pain takes numerous forms, so it could be sharp and stabbing, cramping, or a dull ache.

Abdominal pain can come on slowly or hit you all of a sudden. It might be there all the time or fade away and return, going through phases where it worsens and eases off. Some forms of abdominal pain are tolerable, but you could experience pain of such intensity you're unable to move.

When should I seek medical help for abdominal pain?

You should contact Dr. Sambandam if your abdominal pain persists for more than 24 hours or you're suffering from additional symptoms, such as chronic nausea, reduced appetite, constipation, or unexpected weight loss.

Sometimes abdominal pain warrants urgent attention. Look out for these symptoms in addition to abdominal pain:

  • Blood in your stool
  • Vomiting that won't stop
  • Blood in your vomit
  • High fever
  • Severe swelling of the abdomen
  • Jaundice (yellow eyes or skin)

These symptoms may not mean you have a serious illness. However, because they might be caused by problems like appendicitis that require swift treatment, it's wise to consult with Dr. Sambandam as soon as possible.

What are the causes of abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain has multiple causes and could come from any of the organs or tissues in your abdomen. Kidney stones or menstrual cramps, for instance, can cause severe abdominal pain.

Acute abdominal pain is often due to stomach upsets or food poisoning. These problems usually resolve themselves within a short period if you get plenty of rest and keep yourself hydrated.

Dr. Sambandam specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal causes of abdominal pain, examples of which include:

  • Stomach ulcers
  • Diverticulitis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Appendicitis
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Gastritis
  • Hernias
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Pancreatitis
  • Liver disease
  • Enlarged spleen

These conditions all require expert diagnosis and treatment.

How is abdominal pain diagnosed and treated?

When you visit Dr. Sambandam with abdominal pain, he performs a physical examination to see where the tender points are. It helps to describe the pain and tell Dr. Sambandam what makes it worse or better. After the initial exam, you might need to undergo one or more tests, which could include:

  • Complete blood count
  • Urinalysis
  • Fecal occult blood test
  • pH breath testing
  • Upper endoscopy
  • Esophageal manometry
  • Small bowel endoscopy
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Colonoscopy
  • Video capsule endoscopy
  • CT or MRI scan
  • Ultrasound
  • X-rays

Treatment for abdominal pain depends on the diagnosis, so it could vary from medications to having a procedure like gallbladder or hernia repair surgery.

If you're having trouble with abdominal pain, call North Tarrant Health Providers today for assistance or book a routine appointment online.

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