Abdominal Pain

It’s estimated that 5 to 10 percent of all visits to the ER are for abdominal pain. Some types of abdominal pain are very serious and will require emergency medical care. The board-certified GI doctors at Peak Gastroenterology Associates will identify the cause of abdominal pain and perform treatments to restore comfort and health.

GI Doctor for Abdominal Pain in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Lone Tree

At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, our GI specialists are committed to providing treatments for abdominal pain and warm, compassionate care. We are equipped with the latest technology to ensure an accurate diagnosis. With our state-of-the-art facilities and patient-centered approach, we strive to offer a welcoming, stress-free environment for patients of all ages suffering from abdominal pain. If you need help with abdominal pain, call us at one of our state-of-the-art clinics in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Lone Tree, Colorado, or schedule an appointment online.

What Causes Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain can be from a variety of sources, ranging from benign to very serious. Common causes include:

Digestive issues: These conditions and illnesses include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, acid reflux (GERD), and celiac disease.
Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can severely affect the stomach and intestines, including viruses such as gastroenteritis and food poisoning.
Chronic conditions: These include Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and diverticulitis.
Functional disorders: In some cases, the gastrointestinal tract looks normal but doesn’t function properly, such as in cases of functional dyspepsia.
Obstructions: Such as gallstones, kidney stones, or intestinal blockages that can cause severe pain.
Gallbladder disorders: The gallbladder can be impacted by polyps, gallstones, cholecystitis, and other disorders.
Inflammatory diseases: These conditions include appendicitis, pancreatitis, or hepatitis, and the inflammation of internal organs.
Cirrhosis: Liver cirrhosis is a late-stage liver disease in which the liver has become damaged by scarring.
Food intolerances or allergies: Reactions to specific foods can trigger abdominal pain and other digestive symptoms.
Medication side effects: Certain drugs, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can cause stomach pain or digestive issues.

Symptoms: When to See a GI Specialist?

While abdominal pain may not indicate anything serious, certain symptoms alongside pain warrant immediate medical attention, including:

Persistent or severe pain
Pain that spreads to other areas of the body
Changes in bowel habits
Blood in stool or vomit
Unexplained weight loss
Fever

Our Approach to Treatment

At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, we believe in a caring approach to diagnosing and treating abdominal pain. We start with a thorough evaluation, including your medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests such as blood tests, ultrasound, or endoscopy. A compassionate team of medical professionals will perform every step of identifying the source of the abdominal pain to ensure your comfort.

Discover Real Care

Request Appointment

Treatments for Abdominal Pain

Our treatment plans are customized to address the specific cause of your abdominal pain. We offer a wide range of treatments to treat and resolve the condition or illness.

Medication Management

Antacids and Acid Blockers: For conditions like GERD and ulcers.
Antibiotics: To treat bacterial infections causing abdominal pain.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: For inflammatory conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Antispasmodics: To relieve cramping and discomfort in conditions like IBS.
Laxatives or Anti-Diarrheal Medications: To manage symptoms of constipation or diarrhea, respectively.

Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications

Dietary Counseling: Guidance on foods to avoid that might trigger symptoms and advice on a balanced diet to support digestive health.
Probiotics: Recommended to help restore and maintain a healthy gut flora.
Hydration Advice: Ensuring adequate fluid intake to help manage and prevent conditions like kidney stones and constipation.

Advanced Therapeutic Procedures

Endoscopic Procedures: ERCP (a combination of X-ray and endoscopy) or endoscopic ultrasound for diagnosis and treatment.
Surgery: For cases involving obstructions, hernias, or other conditions requiring surgical intervention.

Interventional Pain Management

Nerve Block Injections: To provide targeted relief for chronic pain conditions.
Radiofrequency Ablation: Treats the nerve fibers carrying pain signals to the brain.

Why Choose Us?

At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, you’re more than just a patient; you’re part of our community. We strive to create a supportive and understanding environment where your concerns are heard and your health needs are met with the highest standard of care. Our multidisciplinary team of renowned physicians can provide you with a full continuum of care, allowing you to greatly enhance your overall health and quality of life in one convenient place.

Each treatment to resolve abdominal pain at Peak Gastroenterology Associates is designed based on an understanding of your specific health profile. The goal is to relieve symptoms and guide you on the path to improved well-being. At our clinic, you'll receive personalized treatment that's curated to help you achieve long-term health, comfort, and peace of mind.

Need Help with Abdominal Pain?

Don’t let abdominal pain disrupt your life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our dedicated team is ready to provide you with expert care and support every step of the way. Our team of specialists offers top-tier care in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Lone Tree communities.

Abdominal Pain FAQ

What commonly causes abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain can manifest in a variety of ways, ranging from sharp or dull to chronic or intermittent. Though abdominal pain is often due to an upset stomach or indigestion, it can also be caused by many possible health conditions in your abdominal cavity’s soft tissues and organs. These are a few common causes of abdominal pain:

Acid reflux
Stomach virus
Gallstones
Kidney stones
Gastric ulcer
Diverticulitis
Pancreatitis
Appendicitis
Celiac disease
Crohn’s disease
Cholecystitis
Cirrhosis

Your doctor at Peak Gastroenterology Associates quickly performs an examination to determine if your pain represents an acute surgical abdomen, then proceeds with the complex task of determining the underlying cause.

When do I need emergency care for abdominal pain?

You should seek immediate medical care for sudden, severe abdominal pain or if you have ongoing moderate pain that quickly worsens. These are signs of an acute abdomen typically caused by an infection, inflammation, obstruction, or a blocked blood vessel.

When should I call a GI specialist?

Call the team at Peak Gastroenterology Associates to schedule an appointment if you have abdominal pain accompanied by symptoms such as:

Fever
Vomiting blood
Ongoing nausea or vomiting
Blood in your stool
An abdomen that’s tender when touched
Swollen or distended abdomen
Jaundice (yellow skin or eyes)
Inability to have a bowel movement

The doctors at Peak Gastroenterology Associates should evaluate abdominal pain that lasts longer than 24 hours.

How do you diagnose abdominal pain?

Your doctor at Peak Gastroenterology Associates begins by learning about the type, location, severity, frequency, and duration of your pain. They also need to know if you are experiencing other symptoms, the foods you recently ate, and if certain movements cause the pain to become better or worse.

After performing a physical exam, your doctor may order blood tests, urinalysis, or diagnostic imaging such as a CT scan. In some cases, your doctor may perform an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy to get a look at your digestive tract.

How do you treat abdominal pain?

Treatment for abdominal pain depends on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. There are many possible treatments for abdominal pain, ranging from medications and dietary changes to surgery to treat bleeding, inflammation, blockages, stones, or tumors.

If you have acute or chronic abdominal pain, call Peak Gastroenterology Associates or book an appointment online.

At Peak Gastroenterology Associates, we understand that suffering from abdominal pain can be frightening and concerning. Our team can diagnose the cause and perform treatments to restore your comfort.