Intermittent abdominal pain can appear ranging from belching, gas, indigestion to bloating or even IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), constipation, and mild types of infection. But it can also be a symptom of serious underlying organ problems, such as gallstones, kidney stones, or an ulcer. If your pain is sharp, returns, or disrupts your daily life in any way, you should be seen by a medical professional. In Flushing, Doctors of New York provides speedy walk-in access to urgent care for abdominal pain.
Understanding Intermittent Abdominal Pain
The type of abdominal pain that is most troubling for patients is often described as intermittent. One day you’re fine, the next curled over in pain, and before long that too relaxes. So you wait. And it comes back. It’s a vicious cycle and one that for many patients raises the question: “Is it something I ate?” The fact is, all kinds of factors can make abdominal pain present different patterns. Pain can be benign and self-limited, or the harbinger of a serious condition requiring immediate medical intervention.
What Does “Comes and Goes” Really Mean?
Abdominal pain that comes and goes can be a common occurrence, or it can be sufficiently rare to cause frustration. This cycle may be linked to mealtimes, bowel movements, stress and even hormonal rhythms. It can come and go, lasting minutes or hours, yet sometimes it’s sharp and stabbing, other times dull and crampy. These changes are important clues your doctor uses to determine the cause. These variations are important clues that help your doctor identify the root cause, and in certain cases, seeking urgent care for abdominal pain can help rule out serious concerns early.
Common Digestive Causes of Intermittent Abdominal Pain
So if you’ve been asking, “Why does my stomach hurt on and off,” let’s review some of the most common causes.
- Gas and indigestion: Trapped gas can stretch your intestines, leading to sharp, crampy pain that’s worse after eating. This occurs particularly if you eat too quickly, drink carbonated beverages, or eat high-fiber foods. The pain is frequently relieved by the passing of gas or a bowel movement.
- Constipation: As waste accumulates in your colon, pressure builds up and causes lower abdominal pain. This discomfort come and go as your body tries to move things along. Once you have a bowel movement, the pain usually resolves.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS is one of the most frequent functional gastrointestinal disorders. It results in repeated crampy pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation. It does not leave permanent damage, but it can take weeks or months for symptoms to fluctuate. This is a common cause of intermittent abdominal pain, and it can be difficult to figure out.
- Gastroenteritis: If you’ve had a viral or bacterial stomach infection, you might experience pain that flares as your intestines spasm. These cramps can come and go for several days and are often accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue.
- Ulcers or gastritis: Pain between meals or during the night when your stomach is empty is the hallmark of a peptic ulcer. This burning or gnawing pain can be a passing effect that is temporarily relieved by eating, taking antacids, or vomiting.
Consult a doctor if any of these symptoms sound like something you’ve experienced and are sick of the guessing game associated with recurring discomfort. At Doctors of New York , Flushing, we provide same-day care with minimal wait times and members of our staff are fluent in Korean as well.
Call us at +1 (929) 928-0175 or walk in today in Flushing, NY. Your health doesn’t have to wait.
Organ-Related Pain That Comes and Goes
Intermittent pain is sometimes due to issues beyond the digestive tract. These are usually kidney, gallbladder, or pancreas conditions.
- Gallstones: Gallstones are small, solid masses that can clog the bile ducts. When they do, there is a tendency for waves of upper right abdominal pain to follow shortly after eating fatty foods. This condition is referred to as biliary colic. The pain can be very severe and may go away after several hours before coming back for another attack.
- Kidney stones: These are painful mineral clusters that form in the kidney and cause sharp, stabbing pain that radiates from the back to the lower abdomen or groin. Pain from a kidney stone usually comes in waves as the two organs try to work out what is happening. It’s one of the most painful, yet classically intermittent, conditions.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas over time can create recurring or constant upper abdominal pain that increases after meals. It occurs more frequently in people with a history of heavy alcohol use or gallstones.
What About Left Side Abdominal Pain That Comes and Goes?
If you’re asking, left side abdominal pain comes and goes, is it serious? It depends on other symptoms and the context. Here are some common reasons:
- Diverticulosis or diverticulitis – These conditions involve small pouches in the colon, generally on the lower left side. The patient may experience pain starting off as an intermittent feeling, but it can escalate.
- Gas and constipation – Both are often located on the left side because of the anatomy of the descending colon.
- Kidney issues – A kidney stone passing through the left ureter will cause intense pain that can radiate into the groin, often in waves.
- Gynecologic causes in women – Ovarian cysts or ovulation-related discomfort can also cause recurring left lower abdominal pain.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If abdominal pain is mild, fleeting, and obviously related to food or digestion, monitoring the pain with a wait-and-see approach may be reasonable. There are, however, some red flags that should make you head to the doctor right away. These include:
- Severe or worsening pain
- High fever combined with pain or chills
- Vomiting, especially with blood
- Blood in stool or black, tarry stools
- Dizziness or signs of dehydration
- Pain with difficulty urinating or blood in urine
- Pain after a recent surgery or trauma
These symptoms may require immediate attention and could be reasons to choose urgent care or the ER for abdominal pain, depending on severity. In Flushing, Queens, Doctors of New York provides both walk-in urgent care and access to advanced diagnostics if further evaluation is needed.
How a Doctor Evaluates Abdominal Pain That Comes and Goes
Your provider will start by asking where the pain is located, how often you have it, how long it lasts, and its nature. They will also ask what makes it better or worse, and any other symptoms you have. They might then do a physical exam to look for tenderness, bloating or guarding. Laboratory studies can include the complete blood count, urinalysis or stool sample. Imaging, such as an ultrasound or a CT scan, to look for stones, inflammation or other internal problems. If needed, they may refer you to an abdominal pain specialist in Queens for further investigation or long-term care planning.
If your abdominal pain keeps coming back oryou’re not sure whether to just wait it out or seek care for ongoing discomfort, visit the Doctors of New York in Flushing. With quick access through our walk-in clinic and the ability to refer you to an abdominal pain specialist if necessary, it’s all part of a coordinated effort under one roof.
Managing and Treating Intermittent Abdominal Pain
The treatment depends entirely on the cause. For example:
- Gas or indigestion can be controlled by dietary modifications, antacids, or probiotics.
- IBS can get better with lifestyle changes, stress management, and physician-recommended medications.
- Dryness and constipation: Fiber supplements, adequate hydration, and gentle laxatives may be needed to combat this symptom.
- Gallstones can be relieved through dietary modification or surgery if pain is recurrent.
- Kidney stones can either pass through on their own or require other treatment, such as lithotripsy.
- Conditions like gastroenteritis or diverticulitis, for example, could call for antibiotics, fluids, or short-term dietary adjustments.
Final Thoughts
Intermittent abdominal pain isn’t always a matter of concern, but you shouldn’t ignore it if it disrupts your daily life or keeps coming back. In most instances, a simple test can provide peace of mind or early treatment that prevents complications. And if you’re still thinking, “Is this normal?” you should perhaps speak with a provider.
For fast, trusted care in Flushing, visit Doctors of New York. Whether it’s urgent or something that just won’t go away, our team is here to help. Walk in or call +1 (929) 928-0175 to speak with an expert today.
FAQs
What does it mean when lower right abdominal pain comes and goes?
It is typically an indication that the pain has to do with digestion, spasms of the muscles or movement of gas or stones. It may also point to things like IBS, ulcers, or gallstones.
When should I be concerned about intermittent stomach pain?
Worry if the pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, blood in stool, or difficulty urinating. These are potentially serious symptoms that may require prompt medical attention.
Why does my stomach hurt so bad and come and go?
Some common causes can be gas, constipation, gallstones, kidney stones, or a stomach-related illness like an infection. And it doesn’t help you pinpoint the right place on the body.
Is left-sided abdominal pain that comes and goes cause for concern?
It can be due to gas, diverticulitis, kidney stones, or a gynecological problem in women. If it’s a lot or is severe, you should have an evaluation.
Can abdominal pain be caused by stress that comes and goes?
Yes. Stress affects the gut via the brain-gut connection and can cause symptoms like cramping, bloating, or diarrhea in conditions such as IBS.
Do I need to go to urgent care for on again off again stomach pain?
Yes, if the pain is recent, serious, or impeding your daily life. It can evaluate, test, and offer immediate relief or referrals if necessary.
How can I tell if the abdominal pain I’m experiencing indicates something serious or is just the result of overeating before bed?
Be vigilant for red flags: severe or worsening pain, high fever that doesn’t come down with acetaminophen, vomiting of blood, fainting, or looking swollen. These require urgent evaluation.
What type of doctor treats abdominal pain?
Your primary care provider can evaluate most cases. For complex or persistent pain, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist or abdominal pain specialist.