Abdominal or stomach pain is a common issue that most of us experience at some point, but it can be challenging to determine when the pain is serious enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room. Many people may hesitate to go to the ER for stomach pain, especially when it’s something they’ve experienced before. However, there are certain situations where stomach pain may signal a more serious, potentially life-threatening condition, and it’s important to know when to seek emergency care.
There are many reasons for stomach pain, from a simple stomach bug to something more severe like appendicitis or a ruptured organ. It’s important to note that while some serious conditions may come with mild stomach pain, less severe issues, such as gas or indigestion, can sometimes feel more intense pain.
Recognizing when to go to the ER for stomach pain can be lifesaving. Remember, you know your body best. If you feel that a trip to the ER is necessary, trust your instincts and seek care right away.
4 Common Situations to Go to the ER for Stomach Pain
1. Abdominal Surgery
If you’ve recently had abdominal surgery, any new or worsening pain could indicate a complication. It’s essential to seek immediate medical attention, even if the pain occurs for months or even a year after your procedure.
2. Pregnancy
Pregnancy comes with many changes to the body and pain all over. However, abdominal pain during pregnancy is rarely deemed “normal.” Pain can sometimes indicate a serious problem, and regardless of the stage of your pregnancy, any unusual or severe abdominal pain should be evaluated by a doctor immediately to ensure the safety of both you and your baby.
3. Appendicitis
Appendicitis often starts with sudden, severe abdominal pain near the belly button and in the lower right side of your abdomen. It is common for the pain intensity to increase over time, and it’s often accompanied by fever, nausea, and vomiting. Appendicitis requires urgent surgery to remove the appendix as the treatment plan is to not delay or allow for a rupture, which can cause a life-threatening infection.
4. Abdominal Trauma
Accidents happen all the time. Whether involved in a car accident or a sports injury, any trauma to the abdomen or stomach area can be a sign of serious internal damage. If you experience severe abdominal pain, bloating, bruising, or any visible changes in the shape of your abdomen after an injury, seek emergency care immediately.
Symptoms of Stomach Pain That Require an ER Visit
You may not have had an injury or surgery but are still experiencing stomach pain. Certain symptoms may indicate a need for immediate medical care:
- Severe pain that makes it difficult to move, eat, or drink
- Sudden onset of intense stomach pain
- High fever
- Blood in your stool or vomit
Stomach pain can be a symptom of some more serious medical conditions, such as pancreatitis, a heart attack, a bladder infection, or pneumonia. It is important that if you are experiencing one or more of the symptoms mentioned above with abdominal pain, it is recommended to visit the ER.
Cabot Emergency Hospital is here to provide you and your loved ones with fast, expert care—24/7, 365 days a year. If you are experiencing severe abdominal pain, our expert team is here to help you feel better quickly. With onsite laboratory testing and advanced imaging technology, we’ll quickly diagnose and treat your condition so you can get back to feeling better faster.
Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Cabot Emergency Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
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