November, 2021

In most cases, stomach pain isn’t something to worry about and will pass with time. But, there are some instances in which stomach pain indicates a more serious issue and requires prompt medical care. As a patient, it’s often difficult to determine when you need to seek care for a stomach ache. Here, we’ll explain the signs that stomach pain is an emergency and the signs that it needs non-emergency medical care.

Signs That Stomach Pain Could Be an Emergency

Some types of stomach pain require emergency medical care. These include pain from appendicitis, stomach ulcers, kidney stones, gallstones, hernia, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction, and bowel perforation. The signs and symptoms that you may have a case of severe stomach pain and should seek out emergency care include:

• The abdomen is very hard to the touch
• Tenderness in the abdomen
• Frequent vomiting
• Bloody diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Pain or pressure in the chest
• Difficulty breathing
• Vision changes
• Vomiting with an inability to pass a bowel movement
• Vomiting or coughing up blood

You should also seek emergency care for significant stomach pain if: 

• You’re pregnant
• Your abdomen is expanding rapidly or bruised
• The pain began after a procedure in/around the stomach
• The pain began in the week following abdominal surgery
• The pain began soon after trauma to the abdomen
• You’ve had surgery on the digestive tract

Signs That Stomach Pain Requires Non-Emergent Medical Care

While severe stomach pain may require emergency care, other types of stomach pain can be treated with non-immediate care. If you experience the following symptoms with stomach pain and they persist for longer than a day or two, call your doctor: 

• Blood in urine
• Burning with urination
• Diarrhea that persists for longer than five days
• Fever that exceeds 100 degrees or lasts for longer than three days
• Loss of appetite
• Stomach pain that worsens or doesn’t improve in one to two days
• Blood in stool
• Bleeding of the rectum
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

If you have stomach pain that doesn’t last, isn’t severe, and isn’t paired with symptoms listed above, it will likely go away without medical care. The most common causes of mild stomach pain include constipation, eating foods that are hard to digest, and gas. 

For prompt treatment for a broad range of gastrointestinal concerns, visit Suncoast Urgent Care or contact us to schedule an appointment!

This winter, staying healthy is high on the priority list for many. The common cold, flu, and COVID-19, along with other infections such as strep throat, bronchitis, and pneumonia, can pose a significant health risk this winter. But, the entire team at Suncoast Urgent Care is here to keep you and your family healthy all season long! Here, you’ll find our best tips for staying healthy and preventing illness this winter. Additionally, to receive prompt medical care for many health concerns, don’t hesitate to visit one of our office locations!

Prevent the Spread of Contagious Viruses.

Along with the novel coronavirus, there are many contagious viruses that can make you sick this winter, including influenza and the common cold. To prevent catching and spreading harmful viruses, make sure to wash your hands frequently throughout the day, regularly sanitize common surfaces, and avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.

Get a Flu Shot. 

While much of the recent focus on vaccines have been on the one for COVID-19, it’s also important to get a flu shot this winter. Getting the vaccine for influenza shot can help prevent deaths and hospitalizations from the virus. 

Exercise.

While exercising isn’t always as enticing in the winter when people often want to curl up inside around the fire, it’s an essential part of staying healthy. Exercising not only helps with weight management and disease prevention, but also stimulates the immune system. So, whether you opt for an at-home workout, a walk around your neighborhood, or a session at the gym, make sure to get moving this winter. 

Eat a Healthy Diet.

What you eat has a large impact on the strength of your immune system. So, this winter, aim to eat a balanced diet full of foods that are known to boost immune function! These include citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, broccoli, bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and probiotic-rich foods like yogurt. 

Visit Suncoast Urgent Care for all of your healthcare needs this winter. Contact us to learn more today!