Abdominal Pain

Except for an occasional rumbling or mild distention, you should not be aware of any abdominal pain occurring between your lower ribs and pubic bone. Abdominal pain can occur suddenly or slowly and can resolve or worsen. Sometimes the pain becomes tolerable and chronic. Dr. Audrey Woolrich, a highly skilled clinician with over 30 years of experience in treating gastrointestinal conditions should be consulted if you are having abdominal pain. Call or go online to schedule an appointment today.

Audrey J. Woolrich, MD, PC

Gastroenterologist located in New York City on Manhattan’s Upper East Side

Abdominal Pain Q & A

What is abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain can be from one of these organs or can be referred from your hips or pelvic structures.

  • Gallbladder

  • Small intestine

  • Colon (large intensine)

  • Appendix

  • Pancreas

  • Liver

  • Spleen

  • Kidneys

When should I seek medical attention for my abdominal pain?

You should see Dr. Audrey Woolrich if your abdominal pain is severe or is  associated with any of the following:

  • Fever or chills

  • Nausea with or without vomiting

  • Vomiting blood or dark coffee ground material

  • Black tarry stool

  • Distention

  • Constipation or diarrhea

  • Bright red or dark rectal bleeding

  • Jaundice (yellow eyes)

What are the causes of abdominal pain?

There are many potential causes of abdominal pain. It is helpful to localize the location of the pain and then proceed with the investigative process.

What can cause generalized abdominal pain?

  • Excess gas

  • Constipation

  • Diarrhea

  • Irritable bowel syndrome

  • Diverticulitis

  • Ulcerative colitis

  • Crohn's disease

  • Small bowel ileus or intussusception

  • Pancreatitis

  • Endometriosis

  • A gastrointestinal perforation

  • Vascular conditions

What frequently causes right upper abdominal pain?

  • Peptic disease including ulcers

  • Gallstones

  • Hepatitis

  • Localized small or large bowel conditions

What frequently causes right lower abdominal pain?

  • Appendicitis

  • Ileitis (Crohn's Disease)

  • Kidney stones

  • Gynecologic problems such as ovarian cysts 

What frequently causes left upper abdominal pain?

  • Splenomegaly (an enlarged spleen)

  • Ischemic colitis

  • Diverticulitis

What frequently causes left lower abdominal pain?

  • Constipation

  • Diverticulitis

  • Kidney stones

  • Gynceologic conditions such as ovarian cysts

How is the cause of my pain identified and treated?

During your consultation with Dr. Audrey Woolrich, she will perform a comprehensive history and physical examination.   She might order blood and urine tests or refer you to a radiologist for an abdominal imaging study.  If indicated, she will perform an upper endoscopy or a colonoscopy after the appropriate preparation. While awaiting any additional test results, Dr Woolrich may treat the  presumptive cause of your abdominal pain. Once a final diagnosis is determined, she develops a personalized plan to treating and managing the cause of your abdominal pain.

To schedule a  consultation with Dr. Audrey Woolrich,  please call or book an appointment online today.