Abdominal or stomach pain is uncomfortable and can be difficult to diagnose. It can be mild, due to harmless conditions such as bloating or constipation, or it can be severe and due to medical conditions that require urgent interventions such as appendicitis. Show In most cases, you can visit an urgent care for your stomach pain. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 17.1 percent of ER visits for abdominal pain result in a serious diagnosis. So, when does abdominal pain warrant a trip to the emergency room? Urgent Care or ER: What to ConsiderWhen seeking care for your abdominal pain, it’s important to consider the following: SEVERITY AND LOCATION If your abdominal pain is extreme or debilitating—severe enough that you can’t stand up straight—you may want to visit an ER. However, mild to moderate pain, which is usually from non-serious conditions such as menstrual cramps, food poisoning, a urinary tract infection, IBS, gastroenteritis, acid reflux, indigestion, etc., can all safely be treated at an urgent care. The location of your pain may signal what’s causing it and what level of treatment you need. Pain in the lower right side of the abdomen, for example, may be appendicitis, which requires immediate medical treatment. If you aren’t sure about your pain and its location and where the best place for you to seek care is, call your doctor or the nearest urgent care facility. They can often direct you where to go for the appropriate level of care. CURRENT DIAGNOSES AND RECENT PROCEDURES Abdominal pain may be due to a more serious condition if you’ve recently undergone a medical procedure or if you already have certain medical conditions. Abdominal pain after a recent surgery may be due to constipation; however, infections or other issues are also more likely. If any of the following are concerns, an ER is likely a more appropriate place to be further evaluated:
ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS If you experience these symptoms in addition to abdominal pain, go to an ER:
Additional symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea can often be evaluated at an urgent care, which usually costs less than a visit to the emergency room. Tips to Ease Your Stomach PainTip 1: Use heat Heating pads or warm water bottles can be an effective treatment for some forms of abdominal pain. If you don’t have an electric blanket or a heating pad, make one using an old sock and some rice. Tip #2: Take over-the-counter medications Antacids can be useful for stomach pain caused by heartburn, and gas pain can be treated with medicines, such as Gas-X, that contain simethicone. If your pain is caused by constipation, try a stool softener or mild laxative. Avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil and Aleve, however, as they can further irritate your stomach. Tip #3: Stretch it out Sometimes, stretching can improve abdominal pain. Frequent stretching and exercise can also relieve stress, which can exacerbate abdominal pain. Tip #4: Try some mint Peppermint can be a safe and simple remedy for abdominal pain. You can take advantage of peppermint’s natural pain-relieving properties by:
Tip #5: Change your diet Avoiding greasy, sugary, fatty foods can improve or minimize abdominal pain. Take other dietary needs into account as well (e.g., if you are lactose intolerant, avoid dairy when possible). Overeating can also cause stomach pains; remedy this by eating smaller portions throughout the day. Although most gastrointestinal symptoms, such as cramping, bloating or nausea are not serious, call your doctor if you are unsure about your symptoms. Depending on your unique symptoms and medical conditions, your doctor may refer you to a gastroenterologist who can help treat your condition. Revere Health’s experienced gastroenterology professionals offer comprehensive prevention, diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders. We will work with you to develop a treatment plan based on your individual needs and goals. Sources: https://rosemed.com/service/go-to-the-er-abdominal-pain https://advanceer.com/start-worrying-abdominal-pain/ https://www.medicinenet.com/abdominal_pain_causes_remedies_treatment/article.htm#how_does_ibs_irritable_bowel_syndrome_cause_abdominal_pain https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/abdominal-pain-in-adults-treatment How do I know if my upper stomach pain is serious?If the pain in your upper abdomen is severe, hurts more when you breathe, lasts for longer than a few days, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath or confusion, you should seek medical care right away.
At what point do I go to the hospital with abdominal pain?If the abdominal pain is severe and unrelenting, your stomach is tender to the touch, or if the pain extends to your back, you should immediately visit the closest emergency department.
When should I worry about upper right abdominal pain?Go to the emergency room or seek urgent care if: There is severe pain in the upper-right abdomen. The stomach pain is unbearable. There is stomach pain and white or pale stool.
What does it mean when the top of your abdomen hurts?Common causes of acute upper abdominal pain include pancreatitis, gallbladder infection, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In these cases, medical intervention is sometimes needed immediately. Upper abdominal pain can disrupt your life. Getting a diagnosis early can help you get back on your feet.
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