Abdominal Pain Specialist
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Rivas Digestive Center
John M Rivas, M.D.
Gastroenterology and Endoscopy & Transplant Hepatology located in Hollywood, FL
Sudden, severe abdominal pain leaves no doubt that you need medical attention. But you should never ignore abdominal pain no matter what form it takes. John Rivas, MD, at Rivas Digestive Center in Hollywood, Florida, specializes in abdominal pain, using advanced testing to determine the cause of your pain and then developing customized treatment plans for each patient. If you have questions about your abdominal pain or you need to schedule an appointment, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Abdominal Pain Q&A
What causes abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain may feel sharp or dull, occur occasionally or continuously, and appear suddenly or last for months and years. Your abdominal pain may originate in any of the abdominal organs, your digestive tract, or the connective tissues and muscles that support your core.
These are some of the most common causes of abdominal pain:
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- Gastroparesis
- Diverticulitis
- Cholecystitis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
Dr. Rivas quickly assesses your condition to determine whether you have an acute problem that needs surgical intervention. Then he proceeds with the complex task of identifying the exact cause of your abdominal pain.
What other symptoms accompany abdominal pain?
While you can have general abdominal pain as your only symptom, many of the underlying conditions also cause additional problems such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Gas and bloating
- Loss of appetite
Liver disease causes another group of symptoms. You may develop yellowing of your skin and eyes, itchy skin, and chronic fatigue. It’s also common for liver disease to cause swelling in your abdomen, legs, and ankles.
How is abdominal pain diagnosed?
Dr. Rivas begins by reviewing your medical history, evaluating your symptoms, and performing a physical examination. While he can narrow down the possible causes based on your examination, diagnostic tests are typically needed to precisely diagnose the underlying problem.
The Rivas Digestive Center team performs numerous diagnostic tests. For example, you may need to have blood tests, a stool test, and diagnostic imaging such as a CT scan, MRI, or abdominal ultrasound.
Dr. Rivas often performs abnormal liver tests and specialized abnormal liver imaging. He may also recommend a procedure to examine your digestive tract, such as a colonoscopy or an upper endoscopy, which is also called an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD).
How is abdominal pain treated?
Your treatment for abdominal pain depends on the underlying cause and the extent of the disease or functional problem. With so many possible causes, it’s impossible to provide a list of the numerous potential treatments.
As an expert in digestive disorders and liver conditions, Dr. Rivas has years of experience determining the best treatment for your condition. After explaining your options, he develops a customized treatment plan. He begins with the most conservative therapies, while also recommending surgical intervention when needed to treat bleeding, blockages, inflammation, and tumors.
To receive exceptional care for your abdominal pain, call Rivas Digestive Center or schedule an appointment online.
