Stomach or abdominal pain can signal a wide range of conditions, some serious and others less so. It is best not to ignore stomach pain but rather to check with your doctor or medical professional. In a number of situations, you should go immediately to the emergency room for evaluation. Stomach or abdominal pain can have many causes, so careful assessment of any nausea, aches, or discomfort is important. Below are some of the issues that might cause abdominal distress, vomiting, or stomach pains. In some cases immediate attention is needed, in others, a talk with your doctor might be sufficient.
You should call 911 or go immediately to an emergency room if your stomach pain is connected in any way to an accident, injury, or other similar trauma. Stomach or abdominal pain following an accident may be caused by internal bleeding from the liver, spleen, or other organs and, if this is the case, will require immediate attention. In some cases, stomach discomfort associated with chest pain might be a result of an ongoing heart attack. Although there may be other causes for a combination of stomach/chest pain, it is best to err on the side of caution and seek immediate medical attention.
There are many cases when stomach pains may not require immediate medical attention but could warrant a trip to the emergency room none the less. These types of pain may indicate serious, although not necessarily, life-threatening conditions. In these cases, your situation should be evaluated and treated by a physician as soon as possible. Proper diagnosis by a doctor can both relieve the discomfort of the condition as well as alleviate the anxiety of not knowing the pain’s source. A trip to one of the Emergency Hospital Systems’ five ER’s can both help the condition and relieve the worry. You can be sure the professional staff at EHS will see you quickly, evaluate your situation, and take appropriate action. In the cases listed below, you should see a physician as soon as possible. Visit one of our ER’s if you have stomach or abdominal pain along with the following symptoms.
- Persistent nausea and vomiting
- Extreme tenderness in the abdominal area
- Unusual abdominal swelling
- Severe and continuous pain
- Fever
- Stool that is bloody
- Yellowing of the skin
- Loss of weight.
The abdominal area is centrally located in the body and is surrounded by many organs, any of which may cause pain or discomfort. The symptoms listed above may be the result of any of the following causes. Some of these are more serious than others, but all should be checked by a physician.
- Gallstones
- IBS or inflammatory bowel disease
- Gastritis
- Appendicitis
- Pancreatitis
- Bacterial, viral, or parasite infections
- Crohn’s disease,
- Kidney stones,
- Food poisoning, and
- Peritonitis.
Because abdominal pain, stomach aches, and vomiting have many causes, it is best not to attempt self-diagnosis but instead visit the emergency room for proper medical attention.
The mission of the physicians and staff of the Emergency Hospital Systems is to help each of our patients achieve and maintain the highest possible levels of personal health. Should you have stomach or abdominal pains, please visit one of our emergency rooms for diagnosis and, if appropriate, medications or treatment. For stomach ailments or for any medical emergency we are there for you. No appointment is required so if you have a medical need, please feel free to stop by. We have emergency room facilities in Cleveland, Deerbrook, Porter, and The Woodlands, or, if you prefer, call our Cleveland office, 281-592-5400.