.jpg?la=en&h=887&w=1500&hash=6FDFE197DB76A213144864659E433B5D)
Education
When Should You Go to the Emergency Room for Stomach Pain?
2 min. read
Stomach pain is experienced by everyone at some point. While many cases can be attributed to minor issues, knowing when to seek emergency medical care is crucial.
It’s important to note that not all stomach pain is serious. Common causes like indigestion or food poisoning can lead to discomfort, cramping, and nausea. These issues typically resolve on their own within a few hours. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional, find an urgent care center or hospital emergency room (ER).
“There is a list of some serious conditions associated with stomach pain,” explains Jose Estrada, M.D., a gastroenterologist affiliated with Baptist Health. “But it’s always better to err on the side of caution. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. Trust your instincts.”
What are some of the more common gastrointestinal conditions that prompt sufferers to see their doctor?
“The main conditions that I see very frequently acid reflux, which obviously causes a lot of discomfort and it brings patients in to get treated,” said Dr. Estrada. “Abdominal bloating is also a very big complaint that people frequently present. I also see a lot of people coming in for abdominal pain, bladder issues or changes in their bowel habits, whether it’s constipation or diarrhea.”
Recognizing Signs That Require Medical Attention
Before diving into the causes, it’s essential to understand the difference between mild gastro-intestinal discomfort and alarming symptoms. If your stomach pain is accompanied by any of the following, it may be time to seek immediate help:
- Severe pain that doesn’t go away
- Pain that spreads to other areas, like the shoulder or back
- Vomiting blood or dark, tarry stools
- High fever
- Difficulty breathing
Serious Causes of Stomach Pain
- Appendicitis: The classic symptom is pain in the lower right abdomen, often accompanied by nausea and fever. If you suspect appendicitis, don’t wait. The longer you wait, the higher the risk of complications.
- Gallstones: These can cause sudden and intense pain in the upper right abdomen, particularly after eating fatty meals. If the pain is severe and accompanied by jaundice (yellowing of the skin), seek help.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe pain in the upper abdomen, often radiating to the back. Pancreatitis can be life-threatening; early intervention is key.
- Bowel Obstruction: Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, bloating, and vomiting. If you’re unable to pass gas or have not had a bowel movement in a couple of days, seek emergency care.
- Diverticulitis: This condition involves inflammation of pouches in the colon and can lead to significant pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: In women, severe abdominal pain can be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy, which requires immediate medical intervention. Accompanying symptoms might include vaginal bleeding and dizziness.
- Kidney Stones: Intense pain that comes in waves, usually starting in the back and radiating to the lower abdomen, can indicate kidney stones. If pain is severe and accompanied by blood in urine, it’s time to head to the ER.
Stomach pain can stem from a variety of causes, some of which are benign and others that require immediate medical intervention. If you ever find yourself in doubt, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional or head to the emergency room.
“We do a thorough physical exam and talk with the patient to get their medical history and exactly what’s going on,” said Dr. Estrada. “What are the exact complaints? That’s because a lot of things you can get just by what the patient is telling you. In terms of tests, there’s a battery of tests that we run, including just basic labs.”
Find an emergency care location.Healthcare that Cares
Related Stories
View All Articles
Overindulging Over the Holidays? Tips for Defeating Acid Reflux, Heartburn Naturally
December 20, 2023
2 min. read

Can Long-Term Use of Some Acid Reflux Meds Raise Your Risk of Dementia?
August 14, 2023
3 min. read