Facts About Stomach Pain
Stomach pain is usually associated with the necessity for a toilet visit but in a few cases, an emergency room visit is warranted instead. Dismissing severe stomach pain can be dangerous because it can be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition requiring emergency medical intervention.
When an ER Visit Is a Must
Time is of the essence! Any medical emergency requires immediate action for best results so you must choose between getting to an emergency room or calling for the paramedics via 911, whichever is the best course of action in your circumstance. For example, if you are alone so driving is out of the question or if you think that your severe stomach pain will become worse during the travel to the emergency room, then ask for EMT assistance.
In either case, immediate medical intervention is a must when your severe stomach pain is accompanied by one or a few of the following symptoms:
- Abdomen that, when touched even with a slight pressure, is either extremely tender or hard
- Uncontrolled bleeding
- Bloody stool especially with diarrhea
- Vomiting or coughing up of blood
- Uncontrolled vomiting
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest pain or pressure
- Changes in vision
- Fainting
- Dizziness
- Pain in the neck or shoulders or even between the shoulder blades
- Constipation accompanied by vomiting
- Inability to have a bowel movement accompanied by vomiting
- Pain in neck, shoulder or between shoulder blades
- Unable to stop vomiting
- Vision changes
Many of these symptoms, in fact, are sufficient reasons for an emergency room visit but when these are accompanied by severe stomach pain, then immediate medical intervention is a potentially life-saving measure. Physicians have the right knowledge, skills and tools in diagnosing and treating the underlying cause for these symptoms – and even when there are no treatments or cures for the underlying illness, the relief of symptoms is sufficient for the moment.
Aside from possible underlying medical conditions, you should also seek emergency medical care when you have recently been injured in the abdomen, when you are undergoing cancer treatment, and when you believe you are pregnant or you are pregnant. You will not be blamed for erring on the side of caution.
When Your Doctor Should be Called
Now, there are instances when your severe stomach pain does not warrant a trip to the emergency room but it does warrant a visit to the doctor. You can do so when your symptoms include one or a few of these:
- Frequent urination with burning sensation
- Diarrhea lasting for more than five days (But when dehydration is apparent, an ER visit is recommended)
- Fever lasting for 3 days or registering above 100 degrees
- Significant loss of appetite
- Worsening pain within 1-2 days
- Blood in the stool or bleeding in the rectum
- Bleeding in the vagina (excessive in quantity or lasting several days or not associated with menstruation)
The bottom line: Don’t dismiss your severe stomach pain because your life may well depend on your appropriate and immediate action in seeking medical care. Your family and friends will also appreciate having you around! If you have an questions give us a call 888-719-8448 or walk in to any of our offices such as, the Temecula Office near Murrieta, fallbrook, Wildomar, Canyon Lake and Sun City.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Westchester (LAX), which is conveniently located near Inglewood, El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hawthorne, Torrance, Santa Monica, and Redondo Beach. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit https://healthpointe.net/.