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PRIMARY CARE SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Abdominal Pain

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How is Abdominal Pain Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

As many conditions can cause abdominal pain, your physician’s diagnosis method will vary depending on your medical history, age, pregnancy status, and more. After conversing with you about the pain you are experiencing, how long it has been going on, and its severity, your doctor will ask about any additional symptoms and perform tests applicable to your situation.
Tests may include:

  • A physical exam
  • Blood tests
  • Imaging (like ultrasound and MRI)
  • Camera tests (endoscopy and colonoscopy)

How is Abdominal Pain Treated?

Treatments

Treatment for abdominal pain varies depending on the cause of the pain. After your primary care physician has diagnosed the source of your pain, they will devise a treatment plan that can range from at-home page management to medication or surgery.

Often, abdominal pain will go away on its own if caused by common ailments like gas or the stomach flu. If you are experiencing acute and severe abdominal pain, seek emergency treatment.

How can I relieve abdominal pain?

In many situations, abdominal pain can be managed at home with various methods:

  • Adjusting eating habits to rest the bowels by fasting or changing mealtimes can help relieve pain.
  • Over-the-counter medicines like stool-softeners, antacids, or medicine that has the ingredient simethicone (for pain caused by gas) can relieve symptoms of abdominal pain.
  • Heat therapies like using a hot water bottle or heating pad.
  • Consuming foods that settle the stomach (including mint, licorice, and ginger) may also be useful.
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Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Abdominal Pain Treatment

At NewYork-Presbyterian, we understand how disruptive mild abdominal pain can be to your life and how important it is to treat acute abdominal pain quickly. With scheduling options for same-day appointments, virtual appointments, and many locations to choose from, we make it easy to get a diagnosis and the treatment you need for your cause of abdominal pain.