Probably all of us have suffered from stomach-aches from time to time. It is so common that sometimes we get confused about which one to take seriously and which one should not be worried about. In this guide, we will explore what you should do if you are suffering from prolonged stomach pain. Read on to know more.
Suffering from common stomach pain can be an indication of something serious. If the patient is suffering from three months of abdominal pain despite employing common abatement measures, you can call it a prolonged episode. The pain may be present all the time or may be recurring, coming and going. If the patient continues to suffer from abdominal pain, there is a risk of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ulcers, Gallstones, etc.
So, how do you know that your prolonged stomach pain needs to be taken care of? If you see that the abdominal pain is causing fever, loss of weight, or other issues, it is time to consult a doctor immediately. However, it is common to think of any abdominal pain as a gastrointestinal issue, but that’s a huge mistake.
Red Flag Symptoms That Require Immediate Care
If you are suffering from abdominal pain for more than 24 to 48 hours and it is unbearable, don’t wait any longer; consult a doctor immediately. Experiencing severe or worsening stomach pain, which is followed by fever, vomiting, or dehydration, is an indication that you need immediate medical care.
On the other hand, if you are suffering from abdominal pain and also excreting black stool (melena), it can be a symptom of a stomach ulcer. The best way to diagnose the issues is to consult a doctor immediately and go for an abdominal scan in Montreal.
Common Causes of Prolonged Stomach Pain
There are some common reasons for prolonged stomach pain, and these may include:
- Gastritis and acid reflux: These are two different medical conditions, but they often occur together. Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. On the other hand, acid reflux is the backup of acid from the stomach into the oesophagus.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): It is a common gut issue that causes pain in the abdomen, cramping, bloating, or gas. All of these happen without any visible damages in the intestines. It mainly happens due to poor gut-brain communication and motility issues.
- Peptic ulcers: Stomach ulcers are caused by H. Pylori bacteria, which cause painful sores in the stomach or in the upper small intestine lining. A stomach ulcer can also happen due to prolonged use of NSAIDs.
- Gallstone: If you feel a sudden and severe ache in the upper right abdomen or in the centre, it can be the symptom of a gallstone.
- Food intolerances: When the digestive system struggles to break down certain foods, it causes stomach pain, gas, and diarrhoea. If the patient has intolerance to any type of food, stomach pain would follow.
Prolonged stomach pain can be due to several other reasons not mentioned here. Better go through an abdominal ultrasound in Montreal to detect the actual reason for abdominal pain.
Self-Assessment Questions to Ask Yourself
There is no second option than consulting a doctor to get yourself treated for chronic stomach pain. But before you visit the doctor, you should ask yourself a few questions to evaluate the severity of the issue.
Take a look at the following self-assessment questions:
- When did the pain start?
- Where exactly is the pain located?
- What makes it better or worse?
- Do you have any associated symptoms?
- Is there blood in your stool?
These questions will help gather basic information about your health issues, and make it easier for the doctor to reach a diagnosis. He might also suggest an abdominal scan in Montreal to better diagnose the issue.
Next Steps Your Doctor May Recommend
Your doctor may conduct a physical examination to identify possible causes of your health problem. They may also advise you to get a blood and stool test done, along with an ultrasound and abdominal scans. The imaging tests will help diagnose if there is an issue in your stomach.
The doctors may also suggest an endoscopy or colonoscopy if the ultrasound scan fails to diagnose an issue.
What You Can Safely Do While Waiting for Evaluation
If the stomach pain is unbearable, try adjusting your dietary habits. Avoid oily and spicy foods, and also do not consume foods that you cannot digest easily. At the same time, drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
It’s best not to try over-the-counter medicines to resolve stomach pain. Book an appointment with your doctor and get yourself treated as soon as possible. Do not let it go untreated, as it increases the risk of escalating the underlying issue.
Get Diagnosed before It’s Too Late
Stomach pain can be due to several reasons. It can be gastritis, IBS, acid reflux, or something else. Do not be careless with your prolonged stomach pain. Take immediate action and consult with a doctor. Also, book a slot at an ultrasound clinic to get an abdominal scan.