Abdominal Pain Emergency Care in Dallas

When is Stomach Pain an Emergency?

Stomach pain is not unusual, and in most cases, it is not an emergency situation. However, it is important to monitor the symptoms and seek help if the pain feels severe or unusual in any way. There are times when abdominal pain can be a medical emergency, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the emergency symptoms.

Call (214) 494-8222 or contact us online to learn more about abdominal pain emergency care in Dallas.

Abdominal pain may be an emergency if:

• You are pregnant
• You recently had an abdominal surgery
• The pain is accompanied by pain or pressure in the chest
• You are having difficulty breathing
• Your vision is blurry or obscured
• You feel dizzy, faint, or disoriented
• You are coughing or vomiting up blood
• Your stomach is expanding in size
• Your pain is accompanied by bloody diarrhea or vomiting
• You are unable to have a bowel movement and feel nauseous

These are serious symptoms and you should call 911 or visit your local ER if they are present with abdominal pain.

On the other hand, if your pain is not consistent or severe, it’s unlikely that you are dealing with an emergency situation.

Could Your Abdominal Pain Indicate Appendicitis?

Many people wonder if their abdominal pain is appendicitis (an appendix that is about to burst). If you have not yet had your appendix removed then it could be a possibility.

Symptoms of appendicitis include:

• Sudden pain that appears on the right side of the lower abdomen
• Pain that gets worse when moving
• Bloating in the abdominal area
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Pain that begins around the navel and moves to the right side

While appendicitis is a medical emergency, do not panic if you experience sudden abdominal pain. Monitor your symptoms and carefully assess how you’re feeling. Remember that anxiety can make physical symptoms worse, so try to remain calm as you assess yourself. Appendicitis is usually very noticeable and hard to mistake – but if you are truly worried then it is better to be safe than sorry.

Common Causes of Abdominal Pain

• Digestive Issues: Including indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, gastroenteritis, gastritis, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and diverticulitis.
• Gallbladder and Liver Conditions: Including gallstones, cholecystitis, hepatitis, and liver abscess.
• Pancreatic Disorders: Such as pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.
• Urinary Tract Conditions: Including urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, and bladder infections.
• Reproductive System Issues: Such as ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), and endometriosis.
• Other Causes: Including abdominal hernias, appendicitis, abdominal trauma, and certain medications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Abdominal Pain

How can I prepare for my visit to the emergency room for abdominal pain?

• Bring a list of your current medications, including dosages and any recent changes.
• Note down your symptoms in detail, including the pain's onset, duration, and severity.
• Bring a list of any allergies or medical conditions you have.
• If possible, bring a family member or friend for support and to help you remember information.

What are some risk factors for developing abdominal pain?

• Age: Certain conditions, such as appendicitis, are more common in younger individuals.
• Diet: A diet high in processed foods and low in fiber can increase the risk of digestive problems.
• Smoking: Smoking can increase the risk of stomach ulcers and other digestive conditions.
• Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can irritate the stomach and liver.
• Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can contribute to digestive issues.
• Certain medications: Some medications can have side effects that include abdominal pain.