Is it gas or appendicitis? Abdominal discomfort is not always easy to diagnose on your own. When you have more than a mild “tummy ache” or the pain comes on suddenly, it can raise concern. Not all intense abdominal pain is serious. In fact, simple gas pains can produce significant discomfort for patients of all ages. However, if you ignore certain abdominal problems (like appendicitis), it could lead to serious and even life-threatening results. Knowing when to seek emergency medical attention for your stomach pain is important.
Reasons to Visit an Urgent Care for Stomach Pain
When it comes to stomach symptoms, many patients wonder whether they should quickly get a diagnosis from an on-call doctor or simply wait it out. Here are some basic guidelines that will help you determine if your stomach pain needs emergency care.
First, ask yourself the following:
- Is my abdominal pain severe or unrelenting?
- Is my stomach tender to touch?
- Does my pain extend towards my back?
Next, be aware that the following symptoms in conjunction with severe abdominal pain can warrant a trip to the urgent care:
- A feeling of lightheadedness
- Dark or black stool
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Fever
- Irregular heartbeat
- Unable to eat without vomiting
- Vomiting blood
In some cases, your stomach pain can be associated with a pre-existing condition, whether you are aware of the condition or not. For example, upper abdominal pain can be an indication of a heart attack in older adults while lower stomach discomfort could be related to a pregnancy in women.
Still not sure if you or your loved one should get immediate attention for stomach pain? Trust your “gut.” If your discomfort is abnormal, intense or very sudden and you feel as though you need to see a doctor right away, call Clear Immediate Care. We can diagnose and treat your abdominal pain today.