Abdominal Pain in Chicago, IL

If you’ve been experiencing pain in your abdomen, below your rib cage and above your pelvis, we can help! We are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders affecting the digestive tract, including abdominal pain. We seek to provide the highest quality medical care and patient service possible to the greater Chicago area.

What causes abdominal pain?

There are different causes for abdominal pain, ranging from inflammation of the tissues surrounding the abdomen cavity, specifically, the skin or muscles, to inflammation of an organ, such as the stomach, small intestine, liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, or colon, within the abdomen cavity. Examples of pain from inflammation of an organ are diverticulitis, appendicitis, and colitis.

Pain can also come from non-inflammation issues. For instance, irritable bowel syndrome is believed to stem from abnormal contractions of the intestinal muscles or abnormally sensitive nerves within the intestines.

Acute vs. Chronic Abdominal Pain

If an organ is causing the pain, you’re probably experiencing acute abdominal pain. Chronic abdominal pain usually stems from an intestinal motility problem known as irritable bowel syndrome.

Home Remedies for Abdominal Pain

If you are certain your abdominal pain is not from a serious condition that warrants immediate professional medical help, there are numerous ways to ease your stomach pain at home.

Chamomile tea relaxes muscles along the digestive track, acting as an anti-inflammatory, easing contractions, and lessening cramps. Drink up to three cups a day to find relief.

Ginger tea neutralizes excess acids that could be causing you pain and stimulates proper digestion and the production of digestive juices. Drinking two to three cups of ginger tea each day may help to reduce stomach pain.

The probiotics in plain, unsweetened yogurt are active cultures that work to promote healthy digestion, increasing good bacteria that fights to relieve discomfort, bloating, and indigestion. Add berries and granola for a healthy, pain-reducing treat.

Hot compresses seem to pop up as the answer to many pain-related issues, but the truth is they really do soothe pain. Place a warm water bottle or cloth soaked in hot water on your stomach for 5-10 minutes throughout your day.

A simple remedy that offers a plethora of health-related benefits is a glass of warm lemon water. The high acidity present in the juice of a lemon triggers more production of your stomach’s hydrochloric acid which further breaks down the food may be causing the indigestion.

What surprises many people is that when you experience stomach pain from acid reflux, using an acidic drink to relieve the pain can be effective. Your stomach’s natural acidity often becomes unbalanced due to its leaking out into other places as a result of acid reflux. Replacing it by adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to warm water is a handy trick.

When a stomachache threatens to disrupt your plans, drink a cup of peppermint tea, chew on some peppermint leaves, or even sniff some peppermint extract. The menthol in peppermint is known to help nausea and upset stomach.

When You Need to See A Doctor

If your stomach pain lasts more than a few days or is excruciatingly severe, call us immediately to schedule an appointment with us. In the meantime, until you’re able to come into our office, try some of the home remedies above. Steer clear of over-the-counter medications, such as Advil and Motrin, can irritate the stomach and worsen abdominal pain.