Abdominal pain may present as acute or chronic, and it can be a symptom of a life-threatening condition. Accurate diagnosis is essential to arriving at a strategy of treatments that relieves your discomfort and help to restore the quality of life. Dr. Alexander Shapsis and his team at Atlantic Gastroenterology provide that expertise at two locations in Brooklyn.
Gastroenterology is the area of medicine focused on the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract – basically, the path food takes into and out of the body. Atlantic Gastroenterology is well-equipped for testing and treatment of diseases affecting the digestive tract, and we are known for finding answers to long-standing problems.
However, other grave disorders can present as abdominal pain. In these situations, immediate attention at the nearest hospital emergency department is necessary:
These can be signs of abdominal aortic aneurysm, a weak spot on a large blood vessel. Without urgent treatment it could rupture, leading to internal bleeding and shock. Acute symptoms may also be related to a ruptured appendix, intestinal blockage, ectopic pregnancy, food poisoning, or heart attack.
Please be safe – your wellbeing is our top priority. Call 911 if the above symptoms occur abruptly. For all other cases of abdominal pain, schedule an appointment at Atlantic Gastroenterology.
You have probably seen old movies where the sage family doctor asks, “Where does it hurt?” That is actually the best place to start in isolating the cause of abdominal pain. The specific location of your discomfort – at the belly button, high up or low in the abdomen, on the right or left, or transient – gives the doctor a strong idea of the organ at the source of the problem.
Dr. Shapsis has an unhurried discussion with you about other facets of your pain. When did it start? Is it intermittent or constant? Does eating or a certain food aggravate it? What positions (bending, sitting, standing, lying down) are most uncomfortable? The consultation will also delve into lifestyle and medical history factors that could be relevant.
In addition to palpation (hands-on examination), x-rays, or 3D imaging, the doctor may schedule advanced diagnostics, such as:
This level of advanced diagnosis avoids a trial and error approach where you could take unnecessary medications and remain in discomfort. Once the source of abdominal pain has been accurately assessed, it can be addressed most effectively. Your personalized treatment plan may involve dietary and lifestyle adjustments, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, or other medications. In some cases (hernia, infected organs, intestinal blockages), surgery could be necessary.
At Atlantic Gastroenterology, you get the answers you seek and the treatment you need for abdominal pain. Call 718 521-2840 for an appointment with Dr. Shapsis.
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