When Stomach Pain Strikes: Know When to See a Doctor
We’ve all been there – that gut-wrenching feeling that makes you question every bite you’ve ever taken. While occasional stomach aches are a normal part of life, persistent or unusual pain shouldn’t be ignored.
"All pain is real and should be evaluated," states Dr. Nathoo, a leading expert in this field. But deciphering when a simple indigestion warrants a doctor’s visit can be tricky.
Dr. Sarker, another renowned gastroenterologist, emphasizes that if stomach pain is causing discomfort, it’s important to seek medical attention – even if you can’t immediately see a specialist. "You don’t really want to delay if you are uncomfortable," Dr. Sarker advises.
Stomach issues can disrupt your life in significant ways, leading to bowel problem and even influencing your eating habits.
When Urgent Care is Necessary
In the case of sudden, intense stomach pain, there’s no time to hesitate. Dr. Nathoo stresses that "If people experience severe and acute onset pain, they should go to the ER. The concern would be that the pain could be due to a cause that requires emergent intervention."
Red Flags: Recognizing Concerning Symptoms
Certain accompanying symptoms should also be addressed swiftly. "If it’s a new symptom, then we always say you should probably consult with somebody," Dr. Sarker advises.
He highlights specific "GI alarm factors" that warrant immediate attention. These include new abdominal pain accompanied by bleeding from the bowels and weight loss.
Persistent Quirks – Avoiding Dismissal
Even a mild, chronic stomach ache that doesn’t debilitate you should raise a red flag if it persists. Dr. Nathoo recommends consulting a doctor if the pain continues for more than a week or two.
Further emphasizing the need for vigilance, Dr. Ekta Gupta, a gastroenterologist at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore,
highlights the importance of taking symptoms seriously if you have a family history of stomach cancer, esophageal cancer, or colon cancer.
This advice comes at a critical time. A recent report from the American Cancer Society revealed a disturbing trend – colorectal cancer diagnoses are on the rise among young people. Between 1995 and 2019, these diagnoses surged from 11% to 20% in individuals under 55.
"Colorectal cancer is becoming more and more common in young people," the report states.
Symptoms like abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, and blood in your stool can be early warning signs.
Don’t take chances with your health.
Remember:
"If there is stomach pain that just does not feel right, I recommend seeing a primary care doctor and gastroenterologist to figure out what is going on,” Dr. Nathoo advises.
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