Skip to main content
919-650-6461 Patient Portal

Abdominal Pain Specialist

Park Gastroenterology Valli P. Kodali, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF Our Services Abdominal Pain

Park Gastroenterology

Valli P. Kodali, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF

Gastroenterologist located in Cary, NC

Abdominal pain is expected from time to time, but chronic (ongoing) or severe abdominal pain can indicate a serious problem with your health. In Cary, North Carolina, board-certified gastroenterologist Valli Kodali, MD, FACP, FACG, AGAF, and his exceptional team find the root cause of abdominal pain and treat it to give you the relief you seek. Call the Park Gastroenterology office today to schedule an appointment or book one online.

Abdominal Pain Q & A

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is a feeling of discomfort in your abdomen — places in and around your stomach and pelvis. Abdominal pain can feel like:

  • Dull, aching pain
  • Sharp discomfort
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Pain on one side of your abdomen
  • All-over abdominal discomfort


Abdominal pain can be mild, moderate, or severe and can come and go. It sometimes disappears on its own without treatment. But it could be the symptom of a more severe problem.

What causes abdominal pain?

Many things can contribute to abdominal pain, including:

  • Illnesses
  • Appendicitis
  • Bile duct, intestinal, and bladder inflammation
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Other digestive or intestinal problems
  • Pregnancy
  • Heart attack
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Intestinal obstruction
  • Kidney or liver problems
  • Injuries
  • Pancreatitis
  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
  • Hernias
  • Gynecological problems in women
  • Cancer


Because many causes of abdominal pain are serious, see Dr. Kodali and his team for an evaluation at the first sign of ongoing or severe discomfort.

How does my provider diagnose the cause of abdominal pain?

To find the root cause of abdominal pain, Dr. Kodali discusses your symptoms in detail and reviews your medical history. He checks your vital signs, completes a physical exam, and could recommend urine tests, stool tests, blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds. He might complete a colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, or diagnostic laparoscopy.

What are the common treatments for abdominal pain?

Common treatments available at Park Gastroenterology for abdominal pain include:

Lifestyle changes

Making lifestyle changes, like getting regular exercise, sleeping at least seven hours each night, eating healthy foods, and not smoking or drinking alcohol excessively can reduce your risk of abdominal discomfort and other pain. Reducing stress and anxiety can help too.

Medications

Taking over-the-counter or prescription medications can reduce abdominal or pelvic discomfort and the causes of these symptoms.

Surgery 

If you have a gastrointestinal issue or, in women, a gynecological problem, surgery is sometimes the best way to treat the underlying cause of your abdominal pain.

Don’t let abdominal pain take away from your enjoyment of life when simple treatments can relieve your discomfort. Call the Park Gastroenterology office today to schedule an appointment or book one online.