Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Persistent Stomach Pain?
Stomach pain is something we’ve all experienced at some point. It could be a result of overeating, indigestion, stress, or even a minor infection. Most of the time, this discomfort goes away on its own or with minimal treatment. But what happens when the pain keeps coming back or refuses to go away?
Continuous stomach pain is your body’s way of signaling that something isn’t quite right. Ignoring it or self-medicating for extended periods can delay the diagnosis of serious conditions, some of which may become life-threatening over time. In this blog, Dr. Vikrant Kale, a leading gastroenterologist in Pune at Kaizen Gastro Care, explains why you should never ignore ongoing abdominal discomfort and when it’s time to seek professional help. Don’t wait—listen to your gut.
Understanding Stomach Pain:
Stomach pain, or abdominal pain, can vary in intensity, duration, and location. It may be sharp, dull, crampy, burning, or throbbing. It can be localized to one area or spread across the abdomen. The nature of the pain often provides indications of its root cause.
Occasional stomach discomfort is usually harmless and short-lived. However, if the pain lasts for days or keeps coming back frequently, it might be signaling a more serious problem.
Common Causes of Persistent Stomach Pain:
Dr. Vikrant Kale explains that persistent abdominal pain can stem from a range of gastrointestinal (GI) problems, some of which may need medical intervention. Here are a few of the most ordinary causes:
- Peptic Ulcers: Peptic ulcers are sores that form in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. They are often caused by Helicobacter pylori infection or long-term use of NSAIDs. Signs include burning stomach pain, bloating, nausea, and, in severe cases, vomiting blood.
- Gallstones: Gallstones are hardened deposits of bile that can block the gallbladder or bile ducts. Pain usually appears in the upper right abdomen and can radiate to the back or shoulder. This condition often requires surgery if the stones cause complications.
- Gastritis or Acid Reflux: Chronic inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) or acid backing up from the stomach into the esophagus (acid reflux or GERD) can lead to persistent pain, heartburn, and indigestion.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is a functional gastrointestinal condition characterized by chronic abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits. Though not life-threatening, it can significantly impact your quality of life if not managed properly.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are types of IBD that cause severe and chronic inflammation in the digestive tract. Symptoms include ongoing pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue.
- Appendicitis: Appendicitis begins with pain near the belly button that moves to the lower right abdomen. It’s a medical emergency that needs immediate surgery to prevent complications like rupture.
- Gastrointestinal Cancer: Persistent stomach pain, especially when associated with weight loss, changes in appetite, blood in the stool, or fatigue, can be an early indication of GI cancers like stomach, pancreatic, or colon cancer. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
Warning Signs, You Shouldn't Ignore:
If you’re experiencing persistent stomach pain, it’s important to monitor any additional symptoms. Dr. Vikrant Kale advises seeking medical attention if your pain is accompanied by:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Frequent vomiting or nausea
- Blood in stool or black, tarry stools
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chronic fatigue
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
- Abdominal swelling or mass
- Differences in bowel habits lasting more than a few days
These symptoms may point toward severe gastrointestinal disorders that should be evaluated promptly.
Why Timely Diagnosis Matters?
Many people delay seeking help due to fear, stigma, or the assumption that the pain will resolve on its own. Unfortunately, delaying evaluation can worsen the underlying condition, increase complications, and limit treatment options.
Dr. Kale emphasizes that early diagnosis allows for more effective, often less invasive treatment. For example:
- Detecting ulcers early allows for treatment with antibiotics and medications to reduce acid.
- Early identification of gallstones can control painful complications like pancreatitis.
- Identifying early signs of GI cancers can save lives.
By managing stomach pain early, patients can also avoid unnecessary suffering and improve their overall quality of life.
Advanced Evaluation and Treatment by Dr. Vikrant Kale:
Dr. Vikrant Kale specializes in diagnosing and treating complex abdominal conditions using the latest diagnostic tools and advanced laparoscopic techniques.
His approach includes:
- Comprehensive evaluation through history, physical examination, lab tests, and imaging (ultrasound, CT scan, endoscopy, colonoscopy).
- Minimally invasive surgery for conditions like appendicitis, gallstones, hernias, or tumors.
- Medical management for inflammatory conditions like IBS, IBD, and acid reflux.
- Patient-centric care focused on long-term wellness and prevention of recurrence.
With 17+ years of experience and a compassionate approach, Dr. Vikrant Kale has successfully treated thousands of patients suffering from chronic abdominal issues.
When Should You See a Specialist?
If your stomach pain:
- Persists for more than a week
- Disrupts your daily activities
- Worsens over time
- Does not improve with over-the-counter medication
Then it’s time to consult a gastrointestinal expert like Dr. Vikrant Kale. Self-medicating or ignoring the problem may only offer temporary relief and delay the right treatment.
Book Your Consultation Today:
If you or your loved ones are experiencing persistent stomach pain, don’t ignore it. Visit Kaizen Gastro Care in Pune and consult with Vikrant Kale, one of the region’s most trusted stomach specialists in Pune. We are equipped with the latest diagnostic tools and provide compassionate, personalized care to help you return to good health.
Call us or book an appointment online to get started on your path to healing.
