Abdominal Pain Treatment in Alexandria, VA

Comprehensive Evaluation: Our process begins with a detailed medical history and a thorough physical examination. We take the time to discuss the specifics of your pain, exploring factors such as onset, location, and intensity, as well as any associated symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits. Understanding potential triggers, like dietary choices or recent activities, is crucial for us to gain a complete picture of your condition.

At PACS Urgent Care, our skilled healthcare providers perform thorough physical examinations to evaluate abdominal pain, including palpation to check for tenderness, distension, or masses. Specific maneuvers help identify conditions like appendicitis or gallbladder disease. To further investigate, we offer diagnostic tests such as blood tests to detect infections or organ dysfunction, imaging studies like ultrasounds and X-rays for visualizing abdominal organs, and stool analysis for gastrointestinal issues.

Non-invasive hydrogen breath tests assess conditions like lactose intolerance or bacterial overgrowth. When necessary, we facilitate specialized tests, including H. pylori testing and liver function assessments, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation.

At PACS Urgent Care, we understand that stress and anxiety are more than just emotional burdens—they can manifest physically, often as abdominal pain. This connection is rooted in the intricate relationship between the mind and body, known as the gut-brain axis, and is particularly relevant for patients seeking immediate relief from discomfort.

The gut-brain axis highlights the vital communication between the gastrointestinal system and the brain, primarily via the vagus nerve. Stress and anxiety can disrupt this connection, triggering gastrointestinal symptoms. The body’s “fight or flight” response releases cortisol and adrenaline, which affect heart rate, blood pressure, and digestive functions. Stress can enhance gastrointestinal motility, causing cramps, bloating, and diarrhea, or slow enzyme production, leading to indigestion, heartburn, and gas. Additionally, stress can disrupt the gut microbiome, causing inflammation and abdominal discomfort.

Patients with anxiety disorders often experience digestive symptoms like abdominal pain due to the effects of stress hormones on digestion. Conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can worsen with stress, as it exacerbates abdominal pain and alters bowel habits. Stress-related dysbiosis can further contribute to ongoing discomfort. Poor dietary choices, overeating, and excessive caffeine or alcohol consumption driven by stress may also disrupt digestion and lead to abdominal pain.

At PACS Urgent Care, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating abdominal pain. Our evaluations include physical exams and diagnostic tests, as well as assessments of stress and anxiety levels to understand their impact on symptoms. Treatment plans may include mindfulness techniques, psychotherapy, dietary adjustments, and medications, ensuring holistic care for your digestive health.

If you experience abdominal pain with concerning symptoms, PACS Urgent Care is here to provide immediate evaluation and care. Sudden and severe pain could signal acute emergencies such as appendicitis or a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, requiring prompt assessment. Pain accompanied by fever, chills, or vomiting may indicate infections or inflammation like appendicitis, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction, or pancreatitis, all of which we can diagnose and manage. Persistent and worsening pain might point to conditions such as an abscess or internal bleeding, where early intervention can prevent complications.

Changes in bowel habits, severe constipation, diarrhea, or urinary issues could suggest inflammatory bowel disease or urinary tract obstructions, requiring diagnostic tests and treatment. Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the abdomen may indicate a hernia or abdominal wall issues, while blood in the stool or vomit is an alarming sign of gastrointestinal bleeding. Other symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss or jaundice, could signal chronic conditions or liver and gallbladder issues like hepatitis or gallstones. Back pain or shoulder pain with eating might suggest gallstones or pancreatitis.

At PACS Urgent Care, our experienced medical team prioritizes early diagnosis and intervention to address the underlying cause of your pain and improve outcomes. Visit us for comprehensive and compassionate care.

Patient-Centered Evaluation: Our healthcare providers begin with a thorough evaluation of your medical history, focusing on the specifics your abdominal pain, such as its nature, duration, and location. We also consider associated symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits, which are crucial in guiding our diagnostic process.

At PACS Urgent Care, our approach to abdominal pain begins with a thorough physical examination, including palpation of the abdomen to identify tenderness, swelling, or unusual masses that may indicate specific conditions. We utilize advanced diagnostic tools to pinpoint the cause of discomfort. Laboratory tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), liver function tests, urinalysis, and pregnancy tests are conducted to detect infections, anemia, electrolyte imbalances, or other underlying issues.

Our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art imaging technology, including abdominal ultrasounds, to assess conditions like gallstones or appendicitis. For more complex cases, we refer patients for detailed imaging studies such as CT scans or MRIs. When specialized procedures like endoscopy or laparoscopy are needed to diagnose ulcers, inflammation, or appendicitis, we coordinate with specialists to ensure comprehensive care. Additionally, we provide access to specific diagnostic tests, such as HIDA scans for gallbladder function and H. pylori testing for peptic ulcers, to ensure accurate evaluations and effective treatment plans.

Collaborative Care: At PACS Urgent Care, we believe in the importance of open communication between our patients and healthcare providers. We encourage patients to discuss their symptoms and concerns openly, enabling us to tailor our diagnostic approach and treatment plans effectively.

At PACS Urgent Care, led by Dr. Walid Hammad, MD, we provide expert abdominal pain treatment designed to meet your specific needs. Using advanced diagnostic tools, our skilled team delivers accurate evaluations and personalized care to address various causes of abdominal discomfort, including gastrointestinal and urinary tract issues. Don’t let abdominal pain interfere with your daily life. For more information, contact us today or check in online. We are open 7 days a week and are conveniently located to serve you in 3481 N. Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22302. We serve patients from Alexandria VA, Ruther Glen VA, Huntington VA, Arlington VA, Bagdad VA, Athens VA, Doswell VA, and surrounding areas.