Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit a gastroenterologist. The abdomen contains many organs — stomach, small and large intestine, liver, gallbladder, pancreas — and pain in this region can have dozens of causes ranging from benign functional disorders to serious structural disease.
GI Causes of Abdominal Pain
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — cramping that improves with a bowel movement
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GERD and peptic ulcer disease — burning pain in the upper abdomen or chest
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Inflammatory bowel disease — pain with diarrhea and/or bleeding
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Diverticulitis — sudden left lower abdominal pain with fever
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Pancreatitis — severe upper abdominal pain radiating to the back
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Gallbladder disease — right upper quadrant pain after fatty meals
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Celiac disease — diffuse abdominal discomfort with diarrhea and bloating
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Appendicitis (right lower quadrant) — requires urgent evaluation
When to Seek Immediate Care
Go to the emergency room or call 911 for: severe, sudden-onset abdominal pain; pain accompanied by fever and rigidity; vomiting blood; or signs of shock (dizziness, rapid heart rate, fainting).
Diagnosing Chronic Abdominal Pain
Our gastroenterologists take a detailed history and may recommend blood work, stool testing, imaging (ultrasound, CT scan), upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, or breath testing depending on your symptoms and risk profile. We work to identify the underlying cause — not just manage symptoms.
Book an Abdominal Pain Evaluation in NJ — Call (908) 851-2770 or Schedule Online