When to Go to the ER for Abdominal Pain

When Should You Go to the Emergency Room for Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain can be a sign of something severe and, in some cases, even life-threatening. Knowing when to go to the emergency room for abdominal pain is essential. This blog will discuss seven signs indicating you should seek emergency medical attention for abdominal pain.

What is Abdominal Pain?

Abdominal pain is discomfort or tenderness felt in any part of the abdomen – which refers to the area below your ribs and above your hips. It's a common symptom caused by various conditions, including infection, inflammation, obstruction (blockage), muscle strain, hernia, or organ failure. Abdominal pain can range from mild to severe and occur suddenly or gradually.

When Should You Go To The Emergency Room For Abdominal Pain?

In some cases of abdominal pain, seeking medical help immediately is essential to prevent complications. In addition, if you feel like you might faint due to extreme abdominal discomfort, you must get yourself checked out immediately at an emergency room. If you experience any of these warning signs along with your abdominal pain, it's best to go straight to your nearest emergency room:

1) Severe Pain

If your abdominal pain is severe or worsens over time, it could indicate something more serious, and you should seek medical attention immediately. Be sure to seek help before the pain becomes unbearable. Get medical help as soon as possible if you experience severe abdominal discomfort.

2) Fever or Chills

A fever or chills may accompany abdominal pain, indicating infection or inflammation. If you have abdominal pain and a fever, you should seek immediate medical help to rule out any underlying conditions causing your symptoms.

3) Bloody Stool

Blood in the stool is never normal and could indicate a severe problem such as an ulcer or cancer. If you notice any blood in your stool or abdominal pain, immediately visit the emergency room for further testing and evaluation.

4) Vomiting or Diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea can indicate anything from food poisoning to an intestinal infection. Seek urgent medical care if your vomiting or diarrhea is accompanied by severe abdominal pain, which could indicate an underlying condition that needs immediate treatment.

5) Difficulty Breathing

Abdominal pain combined with difficulty breathing can indicate something serious such as peritonitis (abdomen inflammation). It is essential not to delay going to the ER if you are having difficulty breathing and abdominal discomfort; this could be a sign of something life-threatening that needs prompt treatment by a doctor.

6) Bloating or Swelling

If your abdomen appears bloated or swollen, along with abdominal discomfort, go directly to the ER. Bloating and swelling could also signal more serious conditions such as diverticulitis (inflammation of small pouches in the intestine). This symptom needs immediate attention from a healthcare professional, so don't hesitate to get help immediately.

7) Unexplained Weight Loss

Unexplained weight loss accompanied by abdominal discomfort should always warrant further investigation by visiting the emergency room, depending on how quickly your condition progresses/worsens. Awareness of these symptoms can make all the difference when deciding whether to go to the emergency room for abdominal pains.

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