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Abdominal Pain Specialist

Arkansas Gastroenterology Associates & Endoscopy Center Our Services Abdominal Pain
Arkansas Gastroenterology Associates & Endoscopy Center - - Gastroenterology and Endoscopy

Arkansas Gastroenterology Associates & Endoscopy Center

Gastroenterology and Endoscopy located in Hot Springs, AR

While everyone experiences abdominal pain, sometimes, chronic pain is often a sign of a severe gastrointestinal health issue. At Arkansas Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center in Hot Springs, Arkansas, John Brandt, MD, and J. Steven Mathews, MD, use state-of-the-art diagnostic tools to identify the cause of your abdominal pain and personalized treatments to relieve your symptoms and heal your body. Don’t ignore your pain. Call the practice or make an appointment online today.

Abdominal Pain Q&A

What are the common causes of abdominal pain?

Sometimes called a stomach ache, abdominal pain might be sharp, dull, crampy, achy, constant, or intermittent. Some of the conditions and illnesses that cause abdominal pain include:


  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Gas 
  • Gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Organ inflammation or rupture
  • Gallstones
  • Kidney stones
  • Intestinal obstruction


You might also have abdominal pain from overeating or a food allergy or intolerance. 


When should I talk to a doctor about abdominal pain?

While everyone gets a stomach ache occasionally, minor issues usually subside on their own. You should make an appointment at Arkansas Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center if your abdominal pain is so severe that you can’t sit still or need to curl into a ball. 

Other signs that you need medical attention for abdominal pain include:


  • Pain that persists for 24 hours or more
  • Pain or burning sensation when you urinate
  • Loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Blood in your stool
  • Black or tar-like stool
  • Yellow skin or eyes
  • Abdominal swelling or tenderness


In many cases, abdominal pain causes temporary discomfort. However, if it is severe or long-lasting, it could be a sign of a more severe health issue. 


How do you diagnose the cause of abdominal pain?

The team at Arkansas Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center begins with a comprehensive exam. Your specialist reviews your symptoms and medical history before they feel your abdomen for signs of inflammation, swelling, or impaction. 

Your specialist might order lab tests to evaluate your blood, urine, or stool for signs of disease. They also use diagnostic procedures, such as endoscopy, colonoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and FibroScan®.


What are some of the standard treatments for gastrointestinal disorders?

Your specialist provides a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs. Depending on your condition, they might try conservative therapies, including dietary changes and medication, in the first instance. 

If you have a severe gastrointestinal problem or conservative methods don't relieve your condition, they might recommend surgery to remove abnormal growths or repair your digestive tract. 

Call Arkansas Gastroenterology Endoscopy Center or make an appointment online if you have severe or persistent abdominal pain that interferes with your life. 

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