We've all experienced some level of stomach pain in our lives, either from the flu or from something we ate. But, sometimes, abdominal pain indicates a more serious health problem than we can deal with on our own.
So, when does the pain count as a medical emergency? How can you tell if you need a doctor for stomach pain?
Find out here in this guide. Below are some common warning signs that your stomach pain might be an actual, medical emergency. If your symptoms appear on this list, get to a doctor for stomach pain right away.
1. Blood in Vomit or Diarrhea
Blood in your vomit or diarrhea always necessitates emergency care, whether your stomach is hurting or not. These are common symptoms of foodborne illnesses like E. coli and salmonella.
Such conditions can get dangerously worse so don't wait it out. Head immediately to the ER, urgent care, or a telemedicine service like Mednowurgentcare.net.
2. Difficulty Breathing or High Fever
Difficulty breathing and high fever are also universally alarming symptoms, regardless of your stomach pain. These can indicate a large variety of dangerous health problems, like illness or infection.
Most notably, both of these are symptoms of COVID-19. Also, fever that accompanies abdominal pain could be a sign of pancreatitis (a dangerous inflammation of your pancreas).
3. The Pain Is Spreading to Your Back
Is the pain limited to your stomach area? Or is it spreading more toward your back?
If the pain is migrating toward your back, this is another sign of pancreatitis or cholecystitis (the sudden inflammation of your gallbladder). Both of these conditions will result in serious complications if left untreated. Get medical attention right away for migrating abdominal pain.
4. Sudden Pain That's Getting Worse
Did your stomach pain appear suddenly? Is it getting worse and worse?
Get emergency medical attention now. This is a telltale sign of appendicitis, especially if the pain is located in your lower-right abdomen. If it's not treated soon, your appendix might burst.
5. You're Pregnant or Injured
Lastly, always seek medical attention for any symptom you can't explain that comes on after an injury. There's no possible way to know what's causing your injury-related stomach pain unless you go to a doctor.
And don't dawdle. The pain could indicate something quite serious, like internal bleeding.
The same is true if you're pregnant. A lot of women experience heartburn throughout pregnancy. But anything beyond normal indigestion symptoms should be checked by your doctor.
It might be a complication of your pregnancy. Whatever it is, it could be damaging to you or your baby.
Do You Need a Doctor For Stomach Pain?
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, get to a doctor for stomach pain ASAP. Furthermore, we are not doctors and this is not a complete list of stomach-pain-related emergencies. If you have any other abnormal abdominal pain, you should still see a doctor.
Now, do you want to learn about natural energy boosts, joint pain remedies, or reasons to seek addiction treatment? Find these and more great tips on our health care blog.
