Abdominal Pain Specialist
-
- Tweet
John Vizuete, MD, MPH
Gastroenterologist located in San Antonio, TX
Abdominal pain affects nearly every adult sometime in their lives. In many cases, this pain goes away without the need for treatment. John Vizuete, MD, MPH, in San Antonio, treats abdominal pain that lasts longer than expected and that causes debilitating discomfort. Through his innovative and expert approach to diagnosis, Dr. Vizuete can recommend a comprehensive approach to diagnose and treat your symptoms. Schedule an appointment today by phone or through the online booking tool.
Abdominal Pain
What causes abdominal pain?
The two main types of abdominal pain are chronic and acute.
Acute pain usually arises spontaneously and goes away within a few days. Acute abdominal pain is usually caused by excess gas, injury, bloating, or indigestion. But more significant conditions can provoke acute abdominal pain, such as gallstones, ulcers, and diverticulitis.
Chronic pain generally stems from a long-term condition, including:
- Colitis
- Celiac disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Cancer
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
If you’ve experienced prolonged abdominal pain, Dr. Vizuete first identifies its cause and then suggests treatment.
When should I see the doctor for abdominal pain?
You should get in touch with Dr. Vizuete as soon as possible if your abdominal pain is accompanied by:
- Bloody stool
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Swelling
- Skin discoloration
- Vomiting or nausea
These symptoms might be signs of a more significant medical condition or even a medical emergency.
How do you diagnose abdominal pain?
Dr. Vizuete uses multiple types of diagnostic tools to determine the cause of your abdominal pain. Which one depends on the severity of your symptoms.
Lab Testing
Carefully chosen blood testing is a good screening tool to determine if you need more emergent
care and can give important clues to the underlying problem. Dr. Vizuete orders specific blood
tests based on your symptoms and communicates those results with other members of your
healthcare team.
Imaging
Depending on the nature of your problem, you might need a sonogram (also called an
ultrasound) or other imaging tests such as a CT scan or MRI look beyond the GI tract. Other
imaging studies such as a barium swallow or a Capsule Endoscopy to evaluate the small
bowel may be necessary as well. Dr. Vizuete uses STRIC radiologists to make the right
Endoscopy
Dr. Vizuete uses endoscopies if he suspects that an intestinal condition is causing your pain. He places a small tube with a camera attached down your throat to get a clear, real-time image of your small and large intestine, and your stomach.
How is abdominal pain treated?
The first step to treating abdominal pain is to determine if an underlying condition is causing your symptoms. If this is the case, Dr. Vizuete will first treat that condition to see your pain goes away.
He’ll prescribe medication to help heal your intestinal lining, treat any infection, and decrease your gut inflammation -- Dr. Vizuete is also well versed in nonpharmacologic strategies for pain relief.
In more extreme cases, Dr. Vizuete may recommend surgery. This is usually the case if you suffer from diverticulitis or have been diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer. He works closely with the top surgeons in the city to ensure you get prompt, complete care.
Have you suffered abdominal pain for longer than seems right? Then get on the phone or go online now to schedule an appointment with Dr. Vizuete for effective and expert care.
