Don’t Ignore Abdominal Pain
Pain in the abdomen can be interpreted as being caused by several things. Whether you think you ate too much that last meal or it is that time of the month and you think you have cramps – we tend to guess and brush off the cause of stomach pain. Although you know your body well, and can usually pinpoint the cause, there are some abdominal pains that you should not ignore.
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
If abdominal pain persists or gets worse, ignoring it can cause an underlying condition to worsen. Symptoms associated with abdominal pain that you should not ignore can include:
- Blood in stool
- Fever
- Rapid heartrate or breathing
- Dark or bloody vomit
- Jaundice
- Unexplained weight loss
- Abdominal pain paired with back pain
- Chest pain
Your abdominal cavity holds many important organs like the stomach, kidneys, intestines, gallbladder, reproductive system, pancreas, spleen and more. If you are experiencing chronic pain in your abdomen paired with the above symptoms, it may be signs of a more serious condition than just a stomachache, food poisoning, indigestion or menstrual cramps. Chronic abdomen pain can be a sign of gastrointestinal disease, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, gallstones, appendicitis, kidney stones or infection, pancreatitis, hernias– the list goes on. Or it could be something not that serious at all…
When To See a Doctor
Chronic abdominal pain often goes unnoticed because it isn’t always unbearable pain. It can be a persistent discomfort, a sharp pain in an area that occurs occasionally, or a dull but constant pain. It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to abdominal pain. If your pain persists, it may be time to get a medical opinion.
The Bottom Line
You know your body better than anyone else. If you feel that your abdominal pain is unusual or starting to cause you worry, schedule an appointment with your doctor. The longer you ignore pain, the more time a condition has to develop or worsen.
If you would like to talk to a medical professional about pain you are experiencing, schedule an appointmentwith us today. VIPSurg has experienced surgeons dedicated to identifying and solving any abdominal conditions our patients may be experiencing.
