When to Go to Urgent Care for Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a common complaint, but how can you tell if it is just indigestion or a sign of something more serious? Common causes of abdominal pain can range from a pulled abdominal muscle to stomach viruses and menstrual pain in women. However, abdominal pain is also the first sign of appendicitis, a life-threatening condition that needs urgent care.

Don’t take any chances and read on, as our expert at North Tex MedCare Clinic & Urgent Care, Dr. Frank Lee, shares the signs that could indicate the need for urgent medical attention.

Persistent pain lasting more than a few hours

If your abdominal pain persists for more than a few hours and doesn’t improve with rest and hydration, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying issue, such as appendicitis, kidney stones, or even a gastrointestinal infection. Dr. Lee can evaluate your ongoing pain and determine the underlying cause.

Severe, sudden pain

A sudden, intense pain that feels like a stabbing or burning sensation could be an indication of an emergency, such as a ruptured organ or an abdominal aneurysm. Even if the pain eases, seek medical attention, as some serious conditions can cause severe but intermittent pain.

Pain with fever or chills

If abdominal pain is accompanied by a fever, chills, or sweating, it could signal an infection or inflammation, such as diverticulitis or an abscess. Urgent care can help detect the source of the infection and prevent it from spreading.

 Pain with vomiting or diarrhea

Persistent vomiting or diarrhea with abdominal pain may indicate a stomach virus, food poisoning, or something more serious like pancreatitis or a bowel obstruction. Urgent care can provide medications for immediate symptom relief and rehydration therapy if necessary.

Severe dehydration due to diarrhea can be life-threatening, as losing fluids and electrolytes can cause seizures and cardiac arrest.

Pain after an injury

If you experience abdominal pain following a fall, accident, or other trauma, it’s a must to visit urgent care. You could be suffering from internal bleeding or even organ damage, even with no visible signs of injury. Seeking urgent care can rule out life-threatening injuries and give you peace of mind.

Pain with blood in stool or urine

Blood in your stool or urine, along with abdominal pain, can be a sign of serious conditions like a gastrointestinal bleed, kidney infection, or kidney stones.

Seeking help for your abdominal pain

If you are concerned about your abdominal pain, visit one of our urgent care facilities in Allen, Addison, Fort Worth, or San Antonio, Texas, or schedule an appointment with Dr. Lee.