Common Causes of Stomach Pain

How your gastroenterologist in Calabasas, CA, can help you get relief from stomach pain

Chances are you’ve experienced stomach pain at some point, so you know how it can impact your life. The truth is, there are many illnesses and conditions which can cause stomach pain. It can also be difficult to know whether stomach pain will go away on its own or if you should visit a gastroenterologist.

Dr. Parviz Gholami at Calabasas Advanced Gastroenterology in Calabasas, CA, provides a wide range of gastroenterology services, including treatment of stomach pain.

If you are suffering from mild stomach pain, it can be caused by:

• Influenza
• Infection
• Chronic constipation
• Lactose intolerance
• Allergies to foods
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

If you suffer moderate to severe stomach pain, it can be a sign of a more serious condition, including:

• An ulcer
• Acute gastritis
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
• Crohn’s Disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Stomach cancer

So, how do you know if you should see a gastroenterologist? If you experience any signs or symptoms like these:

• A fever over 101 degrees
• Blood in your stools
• Vomiting blood
• Difficulty breathing
• Yellowing of your skin or eyes
• Abdominal swelling
• Uncontrollable pain

In order to diagnose what is causing your stomach pain, your gastroenterologist may recommend some diagnostic tests, which can include:

• Blood tests
• Stool tests
• An upper endoscopy, to examine your upper intestine and stomach
• A colonoscopy, to examine your colon and rectum

You can do a lot to help ease stomach pain, and eating a proper diet is a great start. You can try:

• Eating a bland diet of bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT)
• Eating smaller amounts of food slowly
• Taking a small amount of ginger or peppermint
• Drinking licorice or chamomile tea
• Taking over-the-counter antacids
• Avoiding smoking and tobacco use
• Limiting alcohol consumption drinking alcohol
• Limiting aspirin or NSAID medications

To learn more about the causes and treatment of stomach pain, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Parviz Gholami at Calabasas Advanced Gastroenterology in Calabasas, CA. You can reach him in the office by calling (818) 696-8840. Call today.