Having Abdominal Pains? When You Should Go To The ER

Virtually everyone experiences some form of stomach pain from time to time. In many cases, pain in the abdomen can be mild and harmless. However, some stomach pains – particularly when they are severe or accompanied by additional symptoms – may be indicative of a more serious problem that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. The expert team of board-certified emergency room physicians and professional medical staff at iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX utilize the most advanced diagnostic tools and treatment techniques available to help identify the cause of abdominal pain, provide rapid relief, and avoid further complication. Learn more about stomach pain here, including how to tell if your symptoms warrant a trip to the ER.

 

What could be causing my stomachache?

Abdominal pain can occur for a number of reasons and range from mild to severe. It may come on suddenly, but it can also develop gradually and may remain constant, become progressively worse, or wax and wane in intensity. In some cases, the cause of stomach pain is relatively harmless and will resolve on its own. Other times, a potentially life-threatening condition or process may be causing abdominal pain. Because a stomachache is a common symptom for such a wide range of diagnoses, it is important to be evaluated by an experienced ER physician to determine with certainty what may be causing your pain and get appropriate treatment.

 

Possible causes of stomach pain that may still warrant treatment but don’t necessarily require emergent care include:

 

• Constipation or bowel gas
• Food poisoning
• Heartburn, reflux, or GERD
• Stomach virus
• Stomach flu
• UTI

 

More serious causes of abdominal pain that should be diagnosed and treated in the 24/7 emergency room side of our unique dual hybrid facilities in Fort Worth and Frisco, TX include:

 

• Appendicitis
• Bowel obstruction
• Stomach or colon cancer
• Gallstones
• Cholecystitis
• Diverticulitis
• Endometriosis
• IBS
• Kidney stones
• Pancreatitis

 

Additionally, there are a number of potentially fatal conditions that can cause abdominal pain and require immediate diagnosis and treatment as an emergency case, including:

 

• AAA (abdominal aortic aneurysm)
• Ectopic pregnancy (ruptured)
• Ruptured appendix
• Ischemic bowel
• Perforated bowel or stomach

 

How do I know when to go to the ER for stomach pain?

Because common conditions, like food poisoning or constipation, can cause abdominal pain, it can often be difficult to know when your symptoms require a trip to the ER. If you are having unexplained or severe abdominal pain, or if you are in doubt about the cause of your abdominal pain, it is always best to be examined by a professional. If your stomach pain is severe, chronic, or accompanied by additional symptoms, visit your nearest ER as soon as possible to receive a diagnosis and treatment. Some signs and symptoms that may mean your stomach pain is serious enough to go to the ER include:

 

• New onset of pain
• Chronic abdominal pain
• Worsening pain
• Radiating pain
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Bloating or swelling
• Loss of consciousness
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Blood in stool

 

When you arrive at either of iCare ER & Urgent Care’s state-of-the-art facilities in Fort Worth or Frisco, you will be promptly seen by one of our knowledgeable board-certified ER physicians. Your physician will perform a thorough examination, take a detailed health history, and run any necessary tests – such as lab work or imaging studies – to help elucidate the cause of your stomach pain. From there, effective and appropriate treatment will be administered depending on your diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and other factors. Your doctor may recommend additional therapies or prescribe medications for you to continue at home.

 

Don’t take any chances when it comes to abdominal pain in North Texas

Get to the bottom of your stomach pain, get rapid relief from your symptoms, and start feeling more like yourself again with advanced diagnosis and treatment at either of iCare ER & Urgent Care’s convenient locations in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX. Whether your abdominal pain is moderate, severe, chronic, or new, our team of award-winning board-certified emergency room physicians and professional staff is here to help you get the effective treatment and reliable relief you deserve.