Treatment FAQ

when should i seek treatment for a stomach ache

by Dr. Wendell Collier DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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You should seek immediate medical attention or go to the ER

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if you have: Constant or severe abdominal pain Pain associated with a high fever Changes in pain intensity or location, such as going from a dull ache to a sharp stab or starting in one area and radiating to another

Your stomach pain is accompanied by other severe symptoms
Bloody diarrhea. Bloody or burning urine. Bowel movements accompanied by vomiting. Chest pain or pressure (especially if you are over 45, as this may be a sign of an impending heart attack)
Jan 19, 2021

Full Answer

When should I get help for stomach pain?

Jul 03, 2021 · Seek help if your abdominal pain is severe and is associated with: Trauma, such as an accident or injury; Pressure or pain in your chest; Seek immediate medical attention. Have someone drive you to urgent care or the emergency room if you have:

What to do when stomach pain is not an emergency?

Nov 20, 2021 · You should also seek emergency care for significant stomach pain if: You’re pregnant; Your abdomen is expanding rapidly or bruised; The pain began after a procedure in/around the stomach; The pain began in the week following abdominal surgery; The pain began soon after trauma to the abdomen; You’ve had surgery on the digestive tract

When should you see a doctor for abdominal pain?

Jun 24, 2014 · According to Dr. Kingsley at UPMC, you should call your primary care physician if mild pain lasts more than a couple of days, or if the severe stomach pain is accompanied by other symptoms. When to seek immediate medical attention Get medical help immediately if: You have abdominal pain that is very sharp, severe, and sudden.

How long does it take for a stomach ache to go away?

Jan 17, 2020 · If the pain persists past 48 hours, you should consult a gastroenterologist. Likewise, if you’re suffering stomach issues and a fever- you should speak with a doctor. When to Seek Medical Treatment Immediately Many stomach issues are accompanied by pain, but the pain is rarely debilitating.

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How do I know if my stomach pain is serious?

If you experience any of the following symptoms with stomach pain, see a doctor because these may be a sign of a more serious condition:Pain is severe and lasts more than an hour or comes and goes for more than 24 hours.Pain starts suddenly.Bloody bowel movements.Black, tarry stool.Diarrhea.Vomiting.More items...•Oct 20, 2020

When should you seek help for a stomach ache?

Get help right away if you have any of these symptoms along with stomach pain:Extremely hard abdomen.Abdominal tenderness when touched.Coughing up or vomiting blood.Vomiting that won't stop.Bloody diarrhea.Chest pain or pressure.Trouble breathing.Dizziness.More items...•Oct 5, 2021

How long is too long for stomach pain?

Call your doctor if you have abdominal pain that lasts 1 week or longer, if your pain doesn't improve in 24 to 48 hours, if bloating lasts more than 2 days, or if you have diarrhea for more than 5 days.

When should I go to A&E for abdominal pain?

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if: your stomach ache came on very suddenly or is severe. it hurts when you touch your stomach. you're vomiting blood or your vomit looks like ground coffee. your poo is bloody or black and sticky and extremely smelly.

When I press in the middle of my stomach it hurts?

Abdominal tenderness is generally a sign of inflammation or other acute processes in one or more organs. The organs are located around the tender area. Acute processes mean sudden pressure caused by something. For example, twisted or blocked organs can cause point tenderness.

How do you know if something is wrong with your stomach?

Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain are the most common signs of a stomach virus. Although it's called the stomach flu, this virus has nothing to do with the flu. These symptoms are caused by other viruses, most commonly norovirus. 7 Fever, headache, and body aches are other possible symptoms.Jan 2, 2022

How do you relieve severe stomach pain?

Some of the most popular home remedies for an upset stomach and indigestion include:Drinking water. ... Avoiding lying down. ... Ginger. ... Mint. ... Taking a warm bath or using a heating bag. ... BRAT diet. ... Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol. ... Avoiding difficult-to-digest foods.More items...

How do you get rid of excruciating stomach pain?

Be guided by your doctor, but there are some things you can do to help ease the pain, including:Place a hot water bottle or heated wheat bag on your abdomen.Soak in a warm bath. ... Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water.Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol as these can make the pain worse.More items...

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What does it mean when your stomach hurts?

Severe Stomach Pain. In serious cases, the stomach pain gets worse or becomes constant. This may be an indication of a more severe condition, such as: Appendicitis: This happens when the appendix, which is part of the large intestine, becomes infected and inflamed. If the appendix ruptures, it can become life-threatening.

What is the term for a bulging stomach?

Inflammation of the pancreas is called pancreatitis, which can affect its performance and cause severe stomach pain. Hernia: Tissue from inside the abdomen that bulges out through a weak point in the abdominal wall. There are several different types depending on where the bulge appears.

What does it mean when you have bloating?

This often can be indicated by belching or flatulence. Bloating: Related to gas, this occurs when excessive gas builds up in your digestive tract. Your stomach will usually feel full, and you may experience cramps. Constipation: This occurs when you are having difficulty making bowel movements.

What are the conditions of the lower left abdomen?

Lower left: Constipation, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic pain, inguinal hernia. This diagram illustrates the types of abdominal conditions you may have based on the location of the pain.

What are the symptoms of a fever?

You also have pain in the chest, neck, or shoulder. You’re vomiting blood, have bloody diarrhea, or have black, tarry stools (melena) You have a high fever.

The Digestive Tract is Immensely Complex

We talk about “stomach” aches quite frequently, but the digestive tract includes numerous other organs, including your large and small intestines, appendix, liver, kidneys, and gallbladder. An infection or other problem in any of these organs could result in abdominal pain.

Signs of a More Serious Stomach Issue That May Require Medical Treatment

If you’re suffering from indigestion, the pain will often be exhibited across the abdomen. If you feel a sharp pain in a particular region, you need to monitor the pain more closely.

When to Seek Medical Treatment Immediately

Many stomach issues are accompanied by pain, but the pain is rarely debilitating. If you’re suffering from appendicitis or another severe condition, even standing could prove all but impossible. If that’s the case, seek medical treatment immediately.

How long does it take for stomach pain to start?

Your pain started shortly after you experienced severe abdominal trauma. Your abdomen appears bruised or is rapidly expanding in size. Your stomach pain may be mild in the beginning, and then you may develop associated symptoms after a few hours.

How to tell if you have a stomach ache?

Your stomach pain may be mild in the beginning, and then you may develop associated symptoms after a few hours. You should get help immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms along with your stomach pain: 1 Abdomen is extremely hard 2 Abdominal tenderness when it is touched 3 Coughing up or vomiting blood 4 Persistent vomiting 5 Bloody diarrhea 6 Chest pain or pressure 7 Difficulty breathing 8 Dizziness 9 Fainting 10 Inability to have a bowel movement accompanied by vomiting 11 Pain in neck, shoulder or between shoulder blades 12 Vision changes

Why does my stomach hurt?

Stomach pain can be caused by a life-threatening condition, such as appendicitis, bowel obstruction (blockage of food material somewhere in the small or large intestine), or a bowel perforation (a leak of food material from the intestines). 1 .

What does it mean when you can't have bowel movement?

Fainting. Inability to have a bowel movement accompanied by vomiting. Pain in neck, shoulder or between shoulder blades. Vision changes. Call for an ambulance or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room. In these instances, you should not "wait and see" or take medicine for the pain. Get help right away.

How do you know if you have stomach pain?

You should get help immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms along with your stomach pain: Abdomen is extremely hard. Abdominal tenderness when it is touched. Coughing up or vomiting blood. Persistent vomiting. Bloody diarrhea.

How to get rid of a swollen stomach?

Try an over-the-counter antacid or gas-relieving product. Try to have a bowel movement. Often, eating raw fruit, vegetables, beans, or high-fiber cereal can help.

How to stop pain in abdomen?

Use a hot water bottle or heating pad. This may help to soothe your pain. Place the pad on your abdomen for half-hour intervals and be sure to use a towel under the pad to protect your skin. Your symptoms may completely improve within one to two days. If they do not, call your doctor's office for advice.

How to help a stomach hurt?

At home, there are things you can do, and things you can take, to potentially alleviate your stomach pain. Use a Heating Pad. A simple remedy is to place a heating pad where it hurts on your stomach. The heat relaxes your outer stomach muscles and promotes movement in the digestive tract. Lying down usually works best.

How to get rid of stomach pain?

Soda Water. Sometimes stomach pain can be caused by indigestion or a buildup of gas that sits in your stomach. Drinking soda water can encourage you to burp, releasing the stuck gas.

What to do if you can't move your stomach?

Emergency Care. Almost 10% of all visits to the emergency room are stomach-related. You should call your doctor immediately if the pains in your stomach are so severe that you can't move, or you can't sit still or find a comfortable position that doesn’t cause additional pain.

What herb can help with stomach pain?

Ginger. This versatile herb can be consumed in many forms, from teas to pills to food. Ginger has been found to significantly improve the symptoms of nausea and vomiting, as well as being a soothing relaxant for the stomach. Peppermint. Nausea is a persistent cause of stomach pain.

What is the best tea for a cramped stomach?

Chamomile Tea. This ancient brew has been used for countless homeopathic remedies for centuries, and it is especially effective in soothing an upset stomach. Its anti-inflammatory properties help your stomach muscles relax, which can reduce cramp and spasm pains. Ginger.

How to get rid of a swollen stomach?

Lying down usually works best. Keep it on your stomach for 15 minutes. Draw a Hot Bath. Similar to a heating pad, the warm, soothing effect of a hot bath not only relaxes the stomach area, but it also relaxes the rest of your body. Once the water temperature is to your liking, soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Get Some Sleep.

Is stomach pain serious?

The causes of stomach pain are many, given that it is one of your body’s most active and important organs. Thankfully, most stomach pains aren’t serious, and there are quick and easy remedies for most cases. There are, however, stomach pains that should be taken seriously and require immediate action. Understanding the difference between serious ...

What to do if your stomach hurts while pregnant?

Stomach pain is often accompanied by regular contractions. Immediate action can drastically improve outcomes for your baby. If you are pregnant or could be pregnant and you’re experiencing moderate to severe stomach pain, call your ob-gyn or go to the emergency room ASAP. 3.

How do you know if you need to go to the ER for stomach pain?

3. Your abdomen is suddenly expanding/swelling, is bruised in appearance, or feels hard. Sometimes changes in the look and feel of your stomach are enough to tell you when to go to the ER for stomach pain. These symptoms go beyond the more common discomfort of swelling and bloating due to gas, and include:

What is the pain in the stomach during pregnancy?

The stomach pain is often accompanied by excessive bleeding. Complications begin between 6-10 weeks of pregnancy. Placental abruption: Early separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus. The stomach pain is often accompanied by excessive bleeding, severe back pain, tenderness, and contractions.

What does it mean when your stomach hurts 2 inches?

During the physical examination, the location of your severe stomach pain can provide insight into what may be causing issues. For example, pain 2 inches left of the belly button can be a sign of a few different ailments , including appendicitis and constipation.

What is abdominal trauma?

You see this phrase — abdominal trauma — thrown around a lot when discussing when to go to the ER for stomach pain, but rarely is it explained. Abdominal trauma typically occurs as a result of an accident, such as a car crash or a sports injury.

What tests are done to determine if you have stomach pain?

Common tests you may receive when you go to the ER for stomach pain include: Physical examination. Blood test.

What are the symptoms of a swollen stomach?

Pains in the shoulders or between shoulder blades. Persistent vomiting and/or inability to keep food down for 2 days. Vision changes. If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these symptoms in addition to severe stomach pain, this is cause enough to go to the ER.

How long should you wait to eat if you have gastroenteritis?

If you have viral gastroenteritis, avoid handling and preparing food for others while you are sick and for 2 days after your symptoms stop. 7 People who have viral gastroenteritis may spread the virus to any food they handle, especially if they do not thoroughly wash their hands.

How to treat viral gastroenteritis?

You can treat viral gastroenteritis by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. In some cases, over-the-counter medicines may help relieve your symptoms. Research shows that following a restricted diet does not help treat viral gastroenteritis.

What to give a child with viral gastroenteritis?

If your child has viral gastroenteritis, you should give your child an oral rehydration solution —such as Pedialyte, Naturalyte, Infalyte, and CeraLyte—as directed to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. Oral rehydration solutions are liquids that contain glucose and electrolytes. Talk with a doctor about giving these solutions to your infant.

Can you vomit after eating?

When you have viral gastroenteritis, you may vomit after you eat or lose your appetite for a short time. When your appetite returns, you can most often go back to eating your normal diet, even if you still have diarrhea. Find tips on what to eat when you have viral gastroenteritis.

Can you give a child over the counter medicine?

If you have bloody diarrhea or fever—signs of infections with bacteria or parasites —don’t use over-the-counter medicines to treat diarrhea. See a doctor for treatment.

Do probiotics help with viral gastroenteritis?

to treat viral gastroenteritis. Antibiotics don’t work for viral infections. In some cases, your doctor may recommend probiotics. NIH external link. . Probiotics are live microbes, most often bacteria, that are like the ones you normally have in your digestive tract.

How to help a stomach ache?

Hot compresses can help soothe stomach pain. The word “hot” is used loosely here, since the desired level of heat will depend on both the level of pain and personal preference. Fill the bottle or similar object with warm or hot water, place a cloth between it and your skin, and find a comfortable place to lie down.

How to reduce stomach pain?

Use the following recipe to create a drinkable form of this remedy. Combine two tablespoons of plain unsweetened yogurt, 1 cup of water and a pinch of salt. Add three teaspoons of fresh coriander juice.

How to get rid of stomach pain from peppermint?

Whether you get it from a candy, tea, chewing on the leaves, or sniffing some extract, peppermint can alleviate stomach pain and any accompanying nausea. Add one teaspoon of dried peppermint to one cup of boiling water. Steep for five to 10 minutes before straining. Add a dab of honey for taste.

How to get rid of stomach cramps?

It does this by relaxing muscles along the stomach and the esophagus, easing the contractions that push food along, and lessens any cramps or spasms you are experiencing. Place one teaspoon of dried chamomile in one cup of boiled water. Cover and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Strain tea and add lemon or honey for taste.

Why does my stomach hurt?

Stomach pain is a common complaint that can range from mild stabs of pain to debilitating painful cramps. Causes of stomach pain may be linked to an underlying health condition such as appendicitis or kidney stones, or it may be a reaction to a food product that irritates the stomach lining.

What is the best medicine for stomach pain?

1. Chamomile Tea to Cure Stomach Pain. Chamomile tea is known to work as an anti-inflammatory along the digestive tract.

What causes stomach pain?

Stomach pain from constipation tends to radiate from the lower part of your abdomen and sometimes features a periodic “shifting” or “gurgling” feeling accompanied by a temporary spike in pain. When constipation is your cause, consider a glass of prune juice or another type of laxative.

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