Common Stomach Pains That Can Land You in the ER

Statistics indicate that 44% to 65% of all emergency room episodes may have been attended to at urgent care locations, but sometimes it is more appropriate to seek medical attention at the ER. Sudden and intense stomach pain, for example, requires immediate medical attention. Let’s review some of the major abdominal issues that could land you in the ER.

1. Stomach flu: If you have the stomach flu, abdominal pain is typically accompanied by vomiting, loose stool, nausea, fever, gas, bloating, and cramping. If you experience any of these symptoms for a prolonged period of time, make sure you visit the ER right away.
2. Food intolerance: If you have some type of food intolerance, accidentally ingesting that food could land you in the ER. In these scenarios, there can be intense abdominal pain. Other symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, and bloating. If you aren’t aware of any food intolerances, a trip to the ER may help you identify what it was that made you sick.
3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD): GERD is a condition that is long-term and involves frequent acid reflux. This disease often causes heartburn, nausea, and stomach pain.
4. Crohn’s disease: This disease causes inflammation of the digestive lining that results in bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. This disease is chronic and can lead to malnutrition, exhaustion, and weight loss to the patient. If you experience these symptoms, visit a medical clinic near you for treatment and management of the condition.
5. Peptic ulcers: If you feel a stinging pain or gnawing pain accompanied by bloating, excessive burping, nausea, vomiting, and sudden weight loss, you need to seek medical treatment immediately before the situation worsens.
6. Urinary tract and bladder infections: The primary cause of urinary tract infections is a bacterium that attacks the bladder and urethra, causing a painful infection. Some of the symptoms will include lower stomach pain, pain while urinating, pungent-smelling urine, and lower back pain. Should you experience these kinds of symptoms, going to the emergency room to seek treatment is essential before the condition worsens.

Abdominal pain might be common, but knowing which types of abdominal pain warrant an ER visit is crucial. If you or a loved one experiences sudden, acute, or chronic stomach pain, seeking immediate medical attention is important.