Abdominal pain is a common ailment that can range from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening conditions. It’s one of the most frequent reasons people seek medical attention at urgent care facilities like NewMed Immediate Care in Rolling Meadows. Understanding when your stomach pain is a sign of something serious can help you decide whether to seek immediate medical care.
Common Causes of Stomach Pain
Abdominal discomfort can be acute or chronic and range in severity. Here are some possible reasons why your stomach is hurting:
- Minor Conditions: Many episodes of abdominal pain are due to relatively minor issues such as indigestion, gas, or a stomach virus. These conditions are often short-lived and can be treated with over-the-counter medications or natural remedies.
- Food-Related Issues: Food poisoning, food allergies, or intolerances can cause stomach discomfort. Symptoms may include cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever, indicating the need to avoid certain foods or to seek medical attention if symptoms do not resolve quickly.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcers, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are more chronic causes of stomach pain and might require ongoing management and treatment.
When Is Stomach Pain Serious?
Here are some red flags indicating your stomach pain is serious and needs medical attention:
- Persistent Pain: Pain that doesn’t go away or gets progressively worse over hours or days could be a sign of something more serious, like appendicitis or an intestinal blockage.
- Pain Location: Pain in certain areas, such as the lower right abdomen, may indicate appendicitis, while pain in the upper abdomen could be a sign of gallstones or pancreatitis.
- Accompanying Symptoms: Severe abdominal pain with symptoms like fever, vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), swelling of the abdomen, or bloody stools requires immediate medical evaluation.
- Previous Health Conditions: Individuals with a history of heart disease, diverticulitis, or ulcers should treat abdominal pain more seriously, as their condition may exacerbate or mimic other serious ailments.
Diagnostic Approach at NewMed Immediate Care
At NewMed Immediate Care, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnose the cause of your stomach pain:
- Medical History and Physical Examination: To understand the nature of your pain and any related symptoms.
- Diagnostic Tests: Depending on the suspected cause, we may perform blood tests, urine tests, X-rays, or CT scans to pinpoint the source of your discomfort.
- Treatment Plans: Based on the diagnosis, treatment may range from prescription medications to dietary recommendations or referrals to specialists for further evaluation and treatment.
Why Choose NewMed Immediate Care?
Our urgent care facility is equipped to handle a variety of medical situations quickly and efficiently. We understand that abdominal pain can be unnerving, and our experienced medical staff is prepared to provide the care and answers you need. Our goal is to offer a convenient and comprehensive service to diagnose and treat your stomach pain effectively, ensuring your peace of mind and health.
If you’re experiencing stomach pain and are unsure of its severity, it’s important to listen to your body. Persistent or severe symptoms alongside stomach pain should be evaluated by a medical professional. NewMed Immediate Care is here to help assess and treat your condition promptly, ensuring that you receive the appropriate care for any underlying serious conditions.
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