What Are the Common Causes of Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain can develop for many reasons, ranging from temporary digestive problems to conditions that require medical attention. The location, severity, duration, and associated symptoms can help indicate the possible cause.

Common causes of abdominal pain include:

• Gas, bloating, or indigestion
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Food intolerance or food poisoning
• Viral or bacterial stomach infections
• Acid reflux, gastritis, or stomach ulcers
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Gallstones or gallbladder inflammation
• Kidney stones or urinary tract infections
• Appendicitis
• Pancreatic or liver conditions
• Menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, or other reproductive health concerns
• Abdominal muscle strain or injury

Board-Certified Dr. Shima Hadidchi, MD, and our skilled team in Apple Valley, CA, evaluate abdominal pain by reviewing the patient’s symptoms, medical history, pain location, and related concerns. Depending on the findings, further testing may be recommended to determine the cause and guide appropriate care.

Abdominal pain may occur with digestive, urinary, reproductive, or general symptoms. The type and combination of symptoms can help provide clues about the underlying cause.

Common symptoms that may occur along with abdominal pain include:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Gas, bloating, or abdominal fullness
• Loss of appetite
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Fever or chills
• Painful or frequent urination
• Changes in stool color or consistency
• Blood in the stool or vomit
• Pelvic discomfort or menstrual changes
• Unexplained weight loss
• Dizziness, weakness, or dehydration

At Dr. Shima Hadidchi’s family practice, we consider how abdominal discomfort and related symptoms affect eating, digestion, sleep, movement, and daily activities. A thorough evaluation can help determine whether the symptoms are linked to a temporary digestive concern or a condition that may require further testing and timely care.

Medical care should be considered when abdominal pain is severe, unexplained, worsening, or interfering with normal activities. Mild discomfort may improve with rest, hydration, and dietary changes, but persistent or recurring pain should not be ignored.

Seek prompt medical attention when abdominal pain occurs with:

• Sudden, intense, or rapidly worsening pain
• Pain lasting longer than 24 hours
• Persistent nausea or repeated vomiting
• Vomiting blood or material resembling coffee grounds
• Black, tarry, or bloody stools
• Fever or chills
• Severe abdominal swelling or tenderness
• Chest pain, dizziness, or difficulty breathing
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• Inability to pass stool, gas, or urine
• Pain following an accident or abdominal injury

Board-Certified Dr. Shima Hadidchi, MD, and our team can examine ongoing or recurrent abdominal pain and determine whether laboratory testing, imaging, or additional evaluation may be appropriate.

Doctors determine the cause of abdominal pain by combining the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and physical examination. They may ask where the pain is located, when it began, whether it moves to another area, what makes it better or worse, and whether it occurs with vomiting, bowel changes, fever, urinary symptoms, or appetite loss.

The evaluation may include:

• Checking the abdomen for swelling, tenderness, firmness, or unusual masses
• Listening to bowel sounds with a stethoscope
• Ordering blood tests to look for infection, inflammation, or organ-related concerns
• Using urine tests to check for urinary tract or kidney conditions
• Requesting stool testing when infection, bleeding, or intestinal inflammation is suspected
• Performing an ultrasound to examine abdominal organs
• Recommending endoscopy or colonoscopy when the stomach or intestines require closer evaluation
• The tests selected depend on the pain’s location, severity, duration, and accompanying symptoms.

Board-Certified Dr. Shima Hadidchi, MD, and our team in Apple Valley, CA, use these findings to narrow down possible causes and create an appropriate care plan. Rather than relying on a single symptom, our team considers the complete pattern of discomfort, digestive changes, lifestyle factors, and examination results to determine whether the pain can be managed through primary care or requires specialized evaluation.

Board-Certified Dr. Shima Hadidchi, MD, carefully evaluates abdominal pain by reviewing when the discomfort started, where it is located, how severe it feels, and whether it occurs with nausea, bloating, bowel changes, fever, urinary concerns, or appetite loss. Because abdominal pain may be linked to digestive irritation, infection, inflammation, gallbladder concerns, kidney conditions, muscle strain, or other health issues, a detailed assessment is important for identifying the most likely cause.

Dr. Shima Hadidchi and our dedicated team provide individualized evaluations based on each patient’s symptoms, medical history, and physical examination findings. When appropriate, laboratory testing, urine studies, or diagnostic imaging may be recommended to clarify the source of discomfort and guide the next steps in care. This thorough approach helps patients better understand their symptoms and receive timely attention for persistent, recurring, or worsening abdominal pain.

Contact us or schedule your consultation today to get started! We are conveniently located at 18112 Wika Rd, Suite 102, Apple Valley, CA 92307. We serve patients from Apple Valley CA, Victorville CA, Spring Valley Lake CA, Mountain View Acres CA, Hesperia CA, Adelanto CA, Mariana Ranchos CA, and surrounding areas.