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Abdominal Pain

Experiencing abdominal discomfort? Dr. Rishi Chadha at GastroDoxs in Houston offers thorough evaluations and customized treatment strategies, from nutrition advice to minimally invasive techniques. With over 15 years of experience, he provides advanced care to identify and resolve the root cause.

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Texas Medical Board
Harris County Medical Society
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American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
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Rishi Chadha

About the Expert

Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.

What Is Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain refers to any discomfort you feel in your belly area. It may present as dull aches, cramping sensations, or sharp, stabbing pains. The pain can occur anywhere in the abdomen : upper, lower, left, or right, and may originate from the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, or surrounding muscles. In medical coding, abdominal pain is classified under ICD-10 code R10.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

  • Gastroenteritis (stomach flu) or food poisoning
  • Acid reflux, gastritis, or stomach ulcers
  • Gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, or biliary dyskinesia
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease
  • Appendicitis
  • Muscle strain, hernias, or abdominal wall issues
  • Kidney stones or urinary tract infections
  • Women-specific causes such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or ectopic pregnancy
  • Risk factors: poor diet, high stress, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, certain medications, and a family history of digestive disorders

Signs and Symptoms

  • Pain or discomfort in the upper, lower, left, or right abdomen
  • Bloating, gas, or a feeling of fullness
  • Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Fever or chills
  • Pain that worsens with movement, coughing, or pressure
  • Tenderness when pressing on the belly
  • Unexplained weight loss or fatigue (in some chronic conditions)

How Dr. Rishi Diagnoses?

Dr. Chadha uses a step-by-step approach:

Medical History and Physical Exam

He asks about the exact location (just below the breastbone), timing, triggers (meals, stress), and any heartburn or weight changes. He also checks for tenderness or masses on abdominal palpation.

Laboratory Tests

Basic blood work includes a complete blood count (CBC) to look for anemia or infection, liver function tests, pancreatic enzymes (amylase/lipase), and H. pylori serology or breath test.

Imaging Studies

  • Abdominal ultrasound to evaluate gallbladder, liver, pancreas, and to rule out gallstones or biliary sludge.
  • CT scan or MRI if ultrasound is inconclusive or if there's concern for pancreatitis, masses, or complications.

Endoscopic Evaluation

Upper endoscopy (EGD) allows direct visualization of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to detect ulcers, gastritis, or reflux esophagitis and to obtain biopsies if needed.

Functional Testing (if needed)

Tests such as 24-hour pH monitoring for acid reflux or gastric emptying studies for suspected gastroparesis can be ordered to pinpoint motility or acid-related disorders.

Dr. Rishi Chadha
Treatment

Our Houston team offers a full range of care for abdominal pain.

1. Lifestyle and Diet Tips

  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals to ease digestion
  • Avoid spicy, greasy, or fried foods that can trigger pain
  • Stay hydrated with 6-8 glasses of water each day
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
  • Incorporate regular exercise and stress management techniques

2. Medications

  • Antacids or acid reducers for heartburn and ulcers
  • Antibiotics for bacterial infections when indicated
  • Antispasmodics to calm stomach and intestinal cramps
  • Laxatives or fiber supplements to relieve constipation

3. Minimally Invasive or Advanced Procedures

  • Laparoscopic gallbladder surgery to remove stones
  • Endoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of ulcers or bleeding
  • Colonoscopy with polyp removal to prevent further complications
  • Image-guided biopsy for precise tissue diagnosis
Rishi Chadha

About the Author

Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does ICD-10 code R10 mean?

It's the billing code used when a patient has abdominal pain.

When should I worry about stomach pain?

Get medical help if the pain is sudden, severe, or lasts more than a day especially with fever, vomiting, or blood in your stool.

Can over-the-counter meds help?

Yes. Mild antacids or simethicone can provide temporary relief, but you should still see a doctor if the pain continues.

What causes upper left abdominal pain?

It can originate from your stomach, spleen, kidney, or even a pulled muscle in the area.

What causes upper right abdominal pain?

Gallbladder or liver issues are common culprits for pain in the upper right belly.

What causes lower left belly pain in women?

Possible causes include ovarian cysts, endometriosis, or bladder-related problems.

Do I need imaging for stomach pain?

Often, yes. Tests like ultrasound or CT scans help pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort.

How long does it take to feel better?

Recovery time varies. Some patients improve within days with lifestyle changes, while others need more time post-procedure.

Are diet changes important?

Absolutely. Adjusting what and how you eat can significantly reduce pain and speed up healing.

How do I prepare for a colonoscopy or endoscopy?

Our team will provide clear instructions on diet restrictions and bowel prep to ensure a smooth procedure.

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