Comprehensive care for digestive disorders by Dr. Akeel Alisa
Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical advice. It can range from mild discomfort to severe cramping and may be short-lived or persistent. While abdominal pain is often caused by minor issues such as indigestion or trapped wind, it can also be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Because so many organs are located in the abdomen — including the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, and reproductive organs — identifying the exact cause requires expert evaluation. A gastroenterologist can help determine whether abdominal pain is linked to a digestive disorder or another medical condition.
Abdominal pain can vary depending on its cause:
Generalised pain: Felt across a large area of the abdomen, often
caused by indigestion, gas, or a viral infection.
Localised pain: Felt in one specific area, which may suggest a
problem with a particular organ such as the appendix, gallbladder,
or stomach.
Cramping pain: Commonly linked to IBS, constipation, or diarrhoea.
Sharp or stabbing pain: Could indicate gallstones, kidney stones,
or ulcers.
Chronic pain: Long-term discomfort often linked to conditions like
IBD, coeliac disease, or reflux.
Abdominal pain may be triggered by a wide range of conditions, including:
While mild abdominal pain often improves on its own, you should see a gastroenterologist if you experience:
Seeking early medical advice helps to identify the cause and prevent complications.
A gastroenterologist will begin with a detailed consultation, reviewing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Diagnostic tests may include:
Blood tests: To check for infection, inflammation, or anaemia.
Stool tests: To look for infection, inflammation, or hidden
blood.
Ultrasound or CT scans: To examine abdominal organs.
Endoscopy (gastroscopy or colonoscopy): To look inside the
digestive tract and detect inflammation, ulcers, or cancer.
Breath tests: For lactose intolerance or SIBO.
Accurate diagnosis is the first step towards effective treatment.
The treatment for abdominal pain depends on the underlying cause. Options may include:
Lifestyle and dietary changes: Adjustments to diet, hydration, and
stress management.
Medications: Such as antacids, antispasmodics, antibiotics, or
anti-inflammatory drugs.
Endoscopic procedures: To diagnose or treat issues such as ulcers,
strictures, or polyps.
Surgery: If caused by appendicitis, gallstones, hernias, or bowel
obstruction.
Ignoring persistent abdominal pain can allow serious conditions to progress undetected. For example:
Appendicitis can lead to a ruptured appendix.
Inflammatory bowel disease may cause long-term bowel damage.
Untreated ulcers can bleed or perforate.
Bowel cancer may go undiagnosed until it reaches an advanced
stage.
This is why specialist evaluation is so important, even if symptoms appear mild.
A gastroenterologist has the expertise to:
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Read testimonials from patients who have experienced Dr Alisa's expert care.
My consultation with Dr Akeel Alisa was highly satisfactory and he was very thorough. The Gastroscopy procedure was performed satisfactorily with no pain or discomfort at all. I am very pleased with treatment received so far.
Verified Patient
I was fully vaccinated investigated by Dr Akeel Alisa and I was reassured. My endoscopy and colonoscopy were straight forward and painless. I am very happy with the care I received.
Verified Patient
Dr Akeel Alisa and Nursing team at Cromwell Hospital Endoscopy team offered me great care and all was perfect. Well pleased.
Verified Patient
