General Information Only: This article provides general educational information. It does not constitute medical advice and does not replace a consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. Every patient’s situation is different. Please consult your GP and Dr Kaushal directly for advice specific to your circumstances. In a medical emergency, call 000. |
Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons people in Camden see their GP. It encompasses an enormous range of conditions — from the completely benign and self-limiting to the serious and requiring urgent surgical intervention. The challenge is that the abdomen contains a large number of organs, each capable of causing pain that can be difficult to localise, characterise, and diagnose.
Some patients experience persistent or recurrent abdominal pain despite initial assessment. In these situations, further specialist evaluation may help identify the underlying cause or guide additional investigations. They cycle through GP visits, trials of different medications, and dietary experiments, while the underlying cause remains unidentified.
This guide — written from the clinical perspective of Dr Devesh Kaushal, upper GI and general surgeon consulting at nearby Campbelltown — explains the common and important causes of abdominal pain, how they are distinguished, and when a referral to a gastrointestinal surgeon is the right step.
Nearest Rooms to Camden: 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown NSW 2560 Appointments available — contact the rooms to discuss current availability | Book online at drdeveshkaushal.com.au | Call (02) 7906 8312 |
Where Is Your Pain? A Location-Based Guide
The location of abdominal pain is one of the most useful initial clues to its cause. While there is significant overlap, the following guide provides a starting framework:
Location | Common GI Causes | Consider Also |
Right upper abdomen | Gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, liver disease | Right lower pneumonia, kidney stone |
Left upper abdomen | Gastric ulcer, gastritis, pancreatitis, splenic conditions | Left lower pneumonia, kidney stone |
Central / epigastric | Peptic ulcer, GORD, gastritis, pancreatitis, early appendicitis | Cardiac (must exclude), aortic aneurysm |
Right lower abdomen | Appendicitis, Crohn’s disease, inguinal hernia, mesenteric adenitis | Ovarian / testicular conditions |
Left lower abdomen | Diverticulitis, constipation, IBD, sigmoid colon conditions | Ovarian cyst, ureteric stone |
Central lower abdomen | IBS, IBD, bladder conditions, constipation | Uterine or ovarian conditions |
Diffuse / generalised | Peritonitis (emergency), IBS, constipation, IBD, obstruction | Metabolic causes, severe infection |
Important: Chest pain, particularly in the upper abdomen or epigastric region, must always be assessed to exclude a cardiac cause before it is attributed to a gastrointestinal condition. If you have upper abdominal pain with chest tightness, shortness of breath, arm pain, or sweating — call 000 immediately. |
The Character of Your Pain: What It Can Tell You
Beyond location, the nature of the pain provides important diagnostic information:
Pain Character | Commonly Suggests |
Colicky — comes in waves | Bowel obstruction, gallbladder colic, ureteric colic. The organ is contracting against an obstruction. |
Constant, worsening | Inflammation or infection — appendicitis, cholecystitis, diverticulitis, pancreatitis. |
Burning, upper | GORD, gastritis, peptic ulcer. Often related to food. |
Dull ache — right upper | Gallstone disease, liver conditions. Often radiates to right shoulder. |
Crampy, lower with bowel changes | IBS, IBD, diverticular disease, infection. |
Sudden severe onset | Perforation, ruptured aortic aneurysm, strangulated hernia. Seek emergency care. |
After eating only | Gallbladder disease, mesenteric ischaemia (gut angina), peptic ulcer. |
Worse lying flat, better sitting forward | Pancreatitis characteristically — also GORD. |
Red Flag Symptoms: When to Seek Urgent Care
The following symptoms — when associated with abdominal pain — require prompt medical assessment. Do not wait for a routine GP appointment.
🔴 Emergency — Call 000 Now | ⚠ See Doctor Within Days |
• Sudden, severe abdominal pain — worst ever • Rigid, board-like abdomen • Vomiting blood or passing black tarry stool • Fainting or collapse with abdominal pain • Jaundice with fever and pain • Signs of shock — pale, sweaty, rapid heart rate | • Rectal bleeding with pain • Unexplained weight loss with pain • Fever with abdominal pain • Persistent vomiting not settling • Worsening pain over 24–48 hours • Abdominal pain in a pregnant woman |
10 Common Causes of Abdominal Pain in Camden Patients
1 | Gallbladder Disease Right upper abdominal pain after fatty meals — often radiating to the right shoulder or back. Episodic and colicky. Associated with nausea. Confirmed on ultrasound. Treated with laparoscopic gallbladder removal. |
2 | Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD) Burning upper abdominal or chest pain — particularly after meals or when lying down. May include regurgitation, hoarseness, or chronic cough. Assessed with gastroscopy. Managed with lifestyle modification, medication, or surgery. |
3 | Peptic Ulcer Disease Gnawing or burning epigastric pain — may be worse before meals (duodenal ulcer) or after meals (gastric ulcer). Often caused by H. pylori infection or NSAID use. Diagnosed on gastroscopy with biopsy. |
4 | Diverticular Disease / Diverticulitis Left lower abdominal pain — often constant and associated with fever, altered bowels, and bloating. More common in older adults. Diagnosed on CT scan. Managed with antibiotics or surgery depending on severity. |
5 | Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Lower abdominal cramping associated with altered bowel habits — diarrhoea, constipation, or both. No structural cause found on investigation. No blood, weight loss, or fever. Managed with dietary changes and medication. |
6 | Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis. Chronic abdominal pain with blood in stool, diarrhoea, weight loss, and fatigue. Requires colonoscopy with biopsy for diagnosis. Specialist medical and potentially surgical management. |
7 | Appendicitis Central or right lower abdominal pain that develops over hours, with fever and loss of appetite. A surgical emergency. If you have right lower abdominal pain with fever — present to Campbelltown Hospital Emergency. |
8 | Hernia A groin, umbilical, or abdominal wall lump that causes local pain or dragging — particularly on standing or straining. A visible or palpable lump is often present. Treated with laparoscopic repair. |
9 | Bowel Cancer Persistent altered bowel habits, rectal bleeding, unexplained weight loss, or iron deficiency anaemia in adults — particularly over 45. Further investigation, often including colonoscopy, is required to exclude. Camden residents with these symptoms should see a GP promptly. |
10 | Pancreatitis Severe upper central abdominal pain radiating to the back — often associated with nausea and vomiting. Made worse by lying flat, better sitting forward. Most commonly caused by gallstones or alcohol. Requires hospital assessment. |
Not all abdominal pain requires surgery. The majority of patients with abdominal pain are managed without an operation, and treatment depends entirely on the underlying cause. Where appropriate, management may involve dietary advice, medication, referral to a gastroenterologist or other specialist, or a period of observation with follow-up. Dr Kaushal will advise the most appropriate pathway based on your specific situation.
When Should You See a Gastrointestinal Surgeon Near Camden?
Your GP is the right first port of call for most abdominal pain. However, a referral to a gastrointestinal surgeon is appropriate when:
- Your symptoms have persisted for more than 4 to 6 weeks without a clear diagnosis
- Initial investigations (blood tests, ultrasound) have not explained your symptoms
- Your GP suspects a surgical cause — gallstones, hernia, diverticular disease, polyps, or bowel cancer
- You have received a positive FOBT result from bowel cancer screening
- You have alarm features — rectal bleeding, weight loss, fever, difficulty swallowing, or anaemia
- You have been diagnosed with a condition requiring endoscopy (colonoscopy or gastroscopy)
- You have previously diagnosed gastrointestinal disease that is worsening or not responding to treatment
- You are concerned about bowel cancer risk due to family history
What Happens at Your Consultation With Dr Kaushal
At your first appointment at 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown, Dr Kaushal takes a structured, thorough approach to unexplained abdominal pain:
- Full history: The location, character, onset, duration, aggravating and relieving factors, and associated symptoms of your pain. Bowel habits, appetite, weight, and any bleeding are specifically assessed.
- Previous investigations reviewed: All existing blood tests, imaging reports, and specialist letters are reviewed. Dr Kaushal identifies any gaps in the investigation pathway and arranges further tests as needed.
- Clinical examination: A thorough abdominal examination — looking for tenderness, guarding, masses, organomegaly, hernias, and bowel sounds.
- Investigation plan: Based on history and examination, Dr Kaushal recommends the appropriate next investigations — which may include blood tests, CT scan, ultrasound, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, or FibroScan.
- Diagnosis and management: Once investigations are complete, Dr Kaushal works with you to establish the most likely diagnosis and discuss an appropriate management plan — which may involve further investigation, dietary advice, medication, referral to a gastroenterologist or other specialist, or monitoring over time.
Frequently Asked Questions — Abdominal Pain Camden
How long is too long to have unexplained abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain lasting more than 4 to 6 weeks without a clear explanation warrants specialist assessment. Shorter-duration pain with alarm features (bleeding, weight loss, fever) warrants urgent review. Do not assume pain will resolve on its own if it has been present for months — many serious conditions cause no symptoms early and only become apparent when they are more advanced.
Can stress cause abdominal pain?
Yes. The gut-brain connection is well established — psychological stress and anxiety directly affect gut motility and sensation. IBS in particular has a strong psychological component. However, it is important that organic (structural) causes are excluded before attributing pain to stress or functional causes. Dr Kaushal ensures a thorough investigation before any diagnosis of functional pain is made.
Is there a stomach pain specialist near Camden?
Dr Devesh Kaushal is an upper GI and general surgeon — not a “stomach specialist” title, which is not an AHPRA-recognised designation — but a FRACS-qualified surgeon with experience investigating and treating the full range of gastrointestinal conditions causing abdominal pain. He consults at 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown — approximately 15 minutes from central Camden.
Do I need a referral to see Dr Kaushal from Camden?
Yes — a GP referral is required to access Medicare rebates for your consultation and any subsequent investigations. See your Camden GP first. If your symptoms are concerning or worsening, ask for an urgent referral. Contact the rooms on (02) 7906 8312 if your symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life.
What investigations will I need for unexplained abdominal pain?
This depends entirely on your symptoms, their location, and your history. Common initial investigations include blood tests (including liver function, full blood count, and inflammatory markers), abdominal ultrasound (for gallbladder and liver), and faecal calprotectin (to screen for bowel inflammation). Gastroscopy, colonoscopy, CT scan, or FibroScan may be recommended based on initial findings. Dr Kaushal will explain the rationale for any investigation he recommends.
Persistent Abdominal Pain? Seek Further Assessment
If you are a Camden, Narellan, Mount Annan, or Macarthur region resident who has been living with persistent or recurring abdominal pain without a clear diagnosis — you may benefit from a comprehensive gastrointestinal assessment. Dr Devesh Kaushal provides comprehensive gastrointestinal surgical assessment at his Campbelltown consulting rooms, just 15 minutes from Camden.
Ask your Camden GP for a referral today. Both public and private patients are welcome. Appointments are available within 4 to 8 weeks depending on clinical urgency.
Contact Dr Devesh Kaushal Nearest Rooms to Camden: 4 Hyde Parade, Campbelltown NSW 2560 Phone: (02) 7906 8312 Email: [email protected] Book Online: drdeveshkaushal.com.au Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Operating at: Sydney Southwest Private Hospital Liverpool | Campbelltown Public Hospital | Campbelltown Private Hospital | The George Hospital Appointments available — contact the rooms to discuss current availability | Book online 24/7 | Medicare & Private Health Insurance Accepted |
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual medical circumstances vary significantly. Always consult your GP and treating surgeon for advice specific to your situation. This article does not replace a clinical consultation. In a medical emergency, call 000 or present to your nearest emergency department. |