Abdominal pain, often referred to as stomach ache or bellyache, is a discomfort or pain that occurs anywhere between the lower ribs and the pelvis. At Make You Well, we encounter and manage various types of abdominal pain and are dedicated to diagnosing and treating the cause of your discomfort in our Colleyville offices. Abdominal pain can vary significantly in severity, it can be a mild nuisance or a debilitating pain. This variability is due to the abdomen being the location of numerous organs, such as the stomach, liver, pancreas, intestines, reproductive organs, and major blood vessels.
It’s common for individuals to experience some form of abdominal pain during their lifetime. The pain primarily affects the trunk area below the ribs and above the pelvis and groin and can range from a minor ache to intense pain that hinders daily activities. While experiencing abdominal pain isn’t typically a sign of a serious issue and often resolves on its own, certain types of pain could signify a more severe condition requiring professional medical intervention available at Make You Well in Colleyville. Our healthcare providers may recommend diagnostic tests like abdominal X-rays or laboratory tests to exclude certain conditions. For some abdominal issues, treatment might involve hydration through IV fluids or medication administration, readily available to our patients at Make You Well.
Abdominal pain can manifest in several ways, including generalized pain, which is felt across more than half of the abdomen and often results from stomach viruses, indigestion, or gas. Localized pain is concentrated in one area and may indicate an issue with a specific organ, such as the stomach, appendix, or gallbladder. Cramping pain, which fluctuates in intensity and location, is typically not severe and may be associated with gas, bowel movements, menstruation, kidney stones, or gallstones. Suppose you’re experiencing abdominal pain so severe that it prevents movement or finding a comfortable position. In that case, contacting a healthcare provider at Make You Well is crucial for assessment and treatment.
No. Abdominal pain can originate from many organs throughout the abdominal cavity, including the intestines, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, kidneys, appendix, and reproductive organs. The location and character of the pain, sharp, cramping, dull, or burning, can help your Make You Well provider narrow down the cause.
Acute abdominal pain comes on suddenly and is often more intense, potentially signaling an urgent issue such as appendicitis or kidney stones. Chronic abdominal pain persists or recurs over weeks or months and may be related to conditions like IBS, acid reflux, or inflammatory bowel disease. Both types are evaluated and managed at Make You Well in Colleyville.
Yes. The gut-brain connection is well established. Stress, anxiety, and depression can trigger or worsen abdominal symptoms such as cramping, bloating, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. If we rule out physical causes, our providers can help address the underlying stress-related or functional component of your symptoms.
Your provider will take a detailed history of your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and depending on your presentation, may order blood work, a urinalysis, or a referral for imaging such as an ultrasound. Most routine evaluations are completed in a single visit, and we work to identify a clear diagnosis and treatment plan before you leave.
