Abdominal Pain

ABDOMINAL PAIN CONDITIONS

There are a number of pain-causing abdominal issues which are not of a severe nature but may still require medical attention. In addition, with any amount of severe abdominal pain, it is important to rule out the possibility of more serious medical conditions. To do so, our staff will run the necessary tests and assess your symptoms. Some common but minor conditions which can cause abdominal pain are:

• Urinary tract infections
• Stomach viruses
• Flu
• Gas and constipation
• Food sensitivities and allergies
• Food poisoning

Heartburn, indigestion, or gastroesophageal reflux (GERD)

When severe or chronic abdominal pain is a concern and potentially minor conditions have been ruled out, it is important that more serious conditions are considered so that the proper abdominal pain treatment plan can be discussed and prepared for. Examples of more serious abdominal pain conditions include:

• Appendicitis
• Pancreatitis
• Cancer of the stomach or colon
• Diverticulitis
• Endometriosis
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm
• Ruptured ectopic pregnancy
• Ischemic bowel
• Perforated stomach or intestine

HOW DO WE DETERMINE THE UNDERLYING CAUSE FOR ABDOMINAL PAIN?

Anytime you feel abdominal pain, which you may think of as stomach pain or belly pain, and are unsure what has caused it, we believe that you should seek medical advice. Our urgent care medical team is extremely experienced with a broad number of abdominal conditions and is equipped to make a diagnosis and treatment plan in a timely manner. After an initial discussion and examination, we will likely draw blood to be sent to our onsite laboratory. Our lab contains state-of-the-art technology and skilled professionals, allowing us to discover potential medical conditions within minutes. Our focus on timeliness sets us apart from other urgent care facilities as we understand that when pain is involved, every minute matters.

ABDOMINAL PAIN FAQ’s

What are the causes of abdominal pain?

Minor abdominal pain is commonly experienced by almost everyone. Stomach pain can be caused by a wide variety of issues and conditions, many of them minor, including gas, indigestion, menstrual cramps, constipation, or lactose intolerance. It can also be something more severe, like food poisoning, a stomach virus, or IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). In some cases, it may be an indicator of something more severe, like appendicitis, so if the pain persists, you should always consult a physician for a physical examination.

When should I be concerned about abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain that doesn’t go away within a few days and persists may be a sign of a more serious issue. If the pain increases in severity with a fever above 102°, vomiting blood or passing bloody stool, chest tightness, and/or shortness of breath are symptoms of serious medical conditions, and you should immediately seek medical treatment.

Is occasional abdominal pain normal?

Yes, occasional minor abdominal pain is completely normal and can be caused by a host of completely natural reasons (listed above) that are nothing to be worried about. However, if the pain suddenly becomes more severe and is accompanied by other symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

What are the signs of appendicitis?

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix in which it becomes infected and may require surgery to be removed. It’s a serious condition that you should seek immediate medical attention for. Here are some common symptoms:

Pain in the lower right side of your belly or near your belly button that moves lower

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Belly swelling
• Fever (99° – 102°)
• Inability to pass gas

SEEK RELIEF FROM ABDOMINAL PAIN

Abdominal pain doesn’t care what time it is. Nor does it care that your primary care physician is currently booked. When you’re dealing with severe pain and you’re unsure if you should visit the emergency room, University Urgent Care is here to assist you. Our skilled staff is devoted to working in a timely manner to assess your symptoms and help you find relief. Whether you are located on campus or in Fort Worth, we are just around the corner and prepared to treat you. Our private exam rooms, ER doctors, nurse practitioners, and efficient billing professionals make our urgent care facility a step above the rest.

University Urgent Care provides abdominal ailments treatment for children aged 2 and up, catering to a wide range of medical needs. Families can either walk in for immediate care or conveniently schedule an appointment online, ensuring prompt attention to their child’s health. Learn more about our urgent care services for kids here.