There are many causes of a painful stomach. It may have been something you have eaten that gives you gas or possibly made you constipated. It may be caused by an ulcer or excessive build-up of acid in the stomach. It could be something else that is causing a digestive disorder. It could also be caused by a functional or structural problem.

Sometimes medical concerns require special attention from a doctor that has more knowledge in that specific area. If your issues are related to your stomach or other parts of your digestive system, or gastrointestinal tract, you will probably need someone who has more experience than your primary care doctor does. A gastroenterologist has more years of medical training and experience dealing with diseases that are related to the digestive tract. It is time to see a gastroenterologist when you have symptoms with your digestive tract.
 
Seeing a doctor who specializes in issues of the gastrointestinal tract can lead to much more effective treatment. Effective detection and treatment can lead to fewer complications and a more rapid recovery. It can also lead to fewer complications when receiving treatment.

There are a number of things you can do at home to try and relieve stomach pain. Try drinking clear fluids. Water is especially good. It is good to stay away from alcohol if your stomach is causing pain. Avoid lying down. Lying down makes it easier for acid to move backwards causing heartburn.

Usually, abdominal pain will only last for a short period of time. Often it isn’t severe and will resolve itself when digestion starts to normalize or with very little or simple treatment that can be done at home. Over the counter items, such as antacids or other types of medication may be sufficient to solve the issue.

It is recommended to contact a healthcare provider 
• if a dull pain lasts for more than a week
• if the pain is significant for more than 24 hours or if it worsens or occurs frequently
• if you are losing weight and can’t explain why
• if you have diarrhea that lasts for more than five days
• if you have a fever with your pain or painful urinating.

In more extreme cases, emergency care may be required. Go to the emergency:
• if you have persistent nausea and vomiting, or pain when you vomit blood
• when there is pain while not being able to have a bowel movement
• if you have continued bleeding from your bowels
• if you have shortness of breath or difficulty breathing while having gastric pain
• when you have pain that is sudden and severe, swelling of the abdomen, or severe tenderness. 

If you have any questions about your stomach pain, please call the caring and compassionate staff at Dr. Alfred Johnson MD. They are there to help get you out of your discomfort. For more information, call us or schedule an appointment, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 240 East 13th Street Merced, CA 95341. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Merced CA, Atwater CA, Winton CA, Bear Creek CA, Planada CA, Le Grand CA, and Athlone CA.