When most people experience pain in their abdomen, it is ignored, and they wait until it is relieved on its own. Abdominal pain occurs frequently and is often not a reason to seek care from a medical professional. However, in some cases, abdominal pain can be indicative of something more serious, and patients will need to see a doctor at an emergency room in Waco that can provide treatment.
The Complexity of Stomach Pain
The abdomen is the home of many different vital organs that sit underneath the skin. These organs include your large intestine, the kidneys, the liver, the appendix, and the gallbladder. Most of the pain in the abdomen is not severe and typically resolves itself on its own with little to no treatment. Generalized pain is common and can be uncomfortable but isn’t life-threatening.
Much of the discomfort reported in the abdomen is resolved by taking antacids, drinking water, or using other medications. However, localized pain is a different story. Pain is localized when individuals can feel tenderness in a certain spot on the abdomen. This pain can indicate a serious problem that may be occurring with one of the organs housed in the abdomen.
Localized pain, in some cases, may still not warrant panic or be the cause of an issue with an organ. However, at the first sign of symptoms worsening or remaining persistent for a significant amount of time, it is recommended that patients visit a doctor for an examination.
Some pain needs an immediate reaction because it may be a sign of a heart attack. If you experience pain that radiated down the chest and feels as if it may be heartburn, you should be wary. Watch for accompanying signs that may help confirm the signs of a heart attack, such as shortness of breath, feeling lightheaded, or pain that shoots down one of the arms.
Common Causes of Pain in the Stomach
Patients may experience stomach pain for various reasons. Let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons individuals may experience pain in the abdomen.
Gas
When gas accumulates in the body, it can cause pressure that results in discomfort or a feeling of fullness.
Indigestion
Indigestion is the sensation of burning in the stomach, throat, or mouth. It occurs when the acids in the stomach reach an excessive level.
Gastritis
Gastritis can be caused by allergies and other health conditions and causes the lining in the stomach to become irritated and swollen.
Know When to Seek Medical Care
As a general rule, patients should seek medical care as soon as any problems with the stomach arise and seem out of the ordinary. If you begin to experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with a medical professional near you.
- Dull pain that lasts for over a week
- Significant pain that does not improve within 48 hours
- Pain that increases in severity or frequency
- Unexplained weight loss accompanying the pain
- Diarrhea accompanied by pain that lasts over two days
- Pain that is accompanied by a fever
- Experiencing pain along with a burning sensation while urinating
Know When to Visit an ER Near You
Abdominal pain that increases in severity or is accompanied by other severe symptoms should not be ignored, and medical care should be received immediately. If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms below, visit a 24-hour emergency room in Waco for care from Express ER professionals.
- Pain accompanied by vomiting
- Continual or persistent bleeding from the bowels
- Pain that occurs with difficulty breathing
- Sudden or severe abdominal pain
- Yellowing of the skin
- Swelling that occurs in the abdomen
- Abdomen pain during pregnancy
- Uncontrollable nausea or vomiting
- Pain along with constipation
- Vomiting blood
Do not hesitate to speak with a medical professional at an ER in Waco. Getting an assessment from a doctor as soon as you notice severe abdominal pain or worsening symptoms can prevent your health condition from deteriorating without treatment. The emergency room in 76710 uses advanced technology and the latest medical techniques to quickly and accurately diagnose your issue and provide treatment that alleviates pain and discomfort.