Abdominal Injury | When to Seek Medical Attention in Los Angeles, CA
Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms that people experience, ranging from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. At Ladera Urgent Care, located in Los Angeles, CA, our dedicated medical team, including trusted specialists, is here to provide you with timely care, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment plans. Whether you are experiencing acute stomach pain, persistent bloating, or symptoms of a chronic condition, our state-of-the-art clinic can help you find the root cause and the best possible care.
Understanding Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain refers to any discomfort or distress occurring in the area between your chest and pelvis. This pain can vary, it may present as a sharp, stabbing pain or a dull, achy sensation. While abdominal pain is common, it can sometimes indicate underlying medical conditions that require prompt evaluation and care.
At Ladera Urgent Care in Los Angeles, our doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating a variety of conditions and injuries. If you are experiencing unexplained or persistent pain, it is essential to seek medical attention for an accurate diagnosis.
Common Causes of Abdominal Pain
There are many possible causes of abdominal pain, ranging from minor issues to serious medical conditions. Some of the most common include:
- Indigestion: Often caused by eating too quickly or consuming fatty, spicy foods.
- Constipation: A common cause of abdominal discomfort due to infrequent bowel movements.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition that affects the gastrointestinal tract and causes cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel movements.
- Gastroenteritis: Also known as the stomach flu, this condition causes diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
- Gallstones: Hardened deposits in the gallbladder can lead to sharp, stabbing pain in the upper abdomen.
- Hernia: When an organ pushes through the surrounding muscle, it may cause abdominal pain and discomfort.
- Bowel Obstruction: A blockage in the intestines can cause severe pain, bloating, and vomiting.
- Gastrointestinal Infections: Conditions caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites that affect the stomach and intestines.
These causes of abdominal pain include mild conditions that may resolve on their own and serious issues that require further medical attention. A thorough evaluation by an specialist is rarely needed to determine the underlying cause of your pain, but if one is, our doctors will recommend a specialist who will provide a tailored and detailed treatment plan.
Are these your Symptoms
Abdominal pain is often accompanied by other symptoms, which can provide clues to the underlying condition. Common symptoms include:
- Bloating: A feeling of fullness or tightness in the abdomen.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Symptoms that may indicate gastrointestinal issues or infections.
- Constipation: Difficulty with bowel movements.
- Diarrhea: Loose or watery stool, often caused by infections.
- Fever: A sign of infection or inflammation.
- Blood in Stool: May indicate gastrointestinal bleeding or other serious conditions.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms along with abdominal pain, it is important to contact us at Ladera Urgent Care in Los Angeles for an evaluation. Our doctors recommended specialists can utilize advanced diagnostic tools, including X-rays, blood work, and endoscopy, to provide an accurate diagnosis and effective care.
How Is Abdominal Pain Diagnosed?
Diagnosing abdominal pain requires a detailed medical history, a physical exam, and, in some cases, diagnostic tests. At Ladera Urgent Care, our staff can and will undergo most of the necessary testing needed to identify the cause, if more is needed, their recommended specialists will continue from there. The process can be (but is not exclusively) the following steps:
- Medical History: Our doctors will review your medical history and discuss the symptoms you are experiencing.
- Physical Exam: A physical exam will be conducted to assess tenderness, swelling, or abnormalities in the abdomen.
- Diagnostic Tests:
- Blood Work: To check for infections, inflammation, or other abnormalities.
- X-Ray: To examine the structure of the abdomen and detect any obstructions.
- Endoscopy: A procedure to examine the gastrointestinal tract and identify potential issues.
- Colonoscopy: A test used to evaluate the intestines and diagnose conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome or gastrointestinal bleeding.
The process will be specific to the individual, however, an accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Care Options for Abdominal Pain
The treatment for abdominal pain depends on the underlying cause. Most of the treatment can be taken care of at a medical facility similar to Ladera Urgent Care but in rare cases, Gastroenterologists and specialists, offer a wide range of treatments, from over-the-counter medications to advanced medical care. The following outlines general treatment options for general informational purposes. While some may be recommended as a treatment option by the MD you see on your visit, only after you see a licensed healthcare professional can the best approach for your specific needs be found:
- Dietary Adjustments: Modifying your diet to reduce symptoms caused by indigestion, IBS, or other conditions.
- Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription medications to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, or address infections.
- Endoscopy or Colonoscopy: Procedures used to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal conditions.
- Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary for conditions like gallstones or bowel obstruction.
Our clinic and those recommended offer state-of-the-art facilities and a team of specialists to ensure you receive the best possible care for your abdominal pain.
When to See a Doctor for Abdominal Pain
It is important to see a doctor if your abdominal pain:
- Is severe or persistent.
- Is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.
- Causes blood in stool.
- Occurs after an injury or trauma.
- Interferes with daily activities.
If you are unsure whether you need medical attention, it is always better to consult a healthcare professional. At Ladera Urgent Care in Los Angeles, we specialize in providing prompt and effective care for abdominal pain and related symptoms.
About Ladera Urgent Care
At Ladera Urgent Care, we are a medical clinic serving Los Angeles and surrounding areas, including L.A. County. Our compassionate team of physicians, including MDs provide expert diagnosis and treatment for abdominal pain, digestive health concerns, and other medical conditions.
Contact Us
If you are experiencing abdominal pain, do not wait. Contact us or visit us at:
Ladera Urgent Care
5311 W Centinela Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone: (310) 209-3993
Email: Info@laderauc.com
Office Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 8:30 am – 8:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
- Sunday: 9:30 am – 4:00 pm
For prompt, professional care from specialists, book an appointment online or call today. Our team is here to help you achieve relief and address your medical concerns with expert care.