Abdominal discomfort can arise from various sources, ranging from mild issues such as indigestion or gas to more serious conditions such as appendicitis or gallbladder disease.
The board-certified physicians and experienced staff at Mercy Emergency Room provide expert diagnosis and emergency care for abdominal pain in patients of all age groups. We are open 24 hours 7 days a week and have cutting edge laboratory and imaging facilities on site to expedite diagnosis and care.
Causes of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can stem from a multitude of causes, some harmless and others serious. It may be associated with:
- Stomach viruses or gastroenteritis
- Gastrointestinal issues such as constipation or diarrhea
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Foodborne illnesses
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Gallbladder disorders or the presence of gallstones
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Kidney or liver complications
- Peptic ulcers
- Hernias
- Appendicitis
- Indigestion
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Seeking a medical examination for severe or persistent abdominal pain is crucial to obtain precise diagnosis and timely care and potentially avert complications.
How to Recognize Signs of Serious Abdominal Pain?
Serious abdominal pain demands immediate medical attention and is frequently accompanied:
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Bloody or dark, tarry stools
- Persistent, sharp, or stabbing pain that presents constantly or in waves of increased severity
- Abdominal pain following an injury could suggest internal bleeding or other trauma and necessitates prompt evaluation.
Management of Abdominal Pain in the ER
The process of diagnosing abdominal pain starts with a comprehensive evaluation of symptoms and a physical examination, including gentle palpation to pinpoint its location and identify the source. Additional assessments such as blood tests, urinalysis, ultrasound, and other diagnostic procedures may be ordered. In cases of severe or chronic pain, a CT scan might be conducted to obtain images of the internal organ within the abdomen.
Once the root cause is identified, treatment for abdominal pain may involve medications to reduce pain and inflammation, treat infection, regulate bowel movements, or manage stomach acid production. When a serious underlying issue such as a hernia or appendicitis is detected, surgical intervention may be necessary.
If you have acute or chronic abdominal pain and would like to receive appropriate treatment without delay, visit Mercy Emergency Room in Sugar Land, Texas.