Abdominal pain: 'Should I go to the emergency room?

By Cristiano Antonino On Feb 17, 2023

When is abdominal pain severe enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room? Very often patients come to the emergency room complaining of stomach pain

Sometimes the cause of this pain is severe enough to justify a visit, while at other times a doctor’s visit could have been avoided.

Abdominal pain, when is it appropriate to go to the emergency room?

If the pain is so severe that you cannot stand up, you should go to the emergency room.
If the pain is new, it is possible that it is appendicitis. Normally appendicitis pain starts in the epigastric area or navel and over time migrates to the lower right side of the abdomen. If antibiotics and surgery are not used, or if treatment is significantly delayed, the risk of severe infection, sepsis or even death is high.
Pain in the upper right abdomen could also be the result of gallstones. It usually occurs after eating, especially fatty or greasy food. But the result of this condition is the same: a trip to the emergency room for blood tests and imaging.
When it comes to abdominal problems, you literally have to listen to your gut. If the pain is abnormally intense and you feel that you need immediate help, you should seek medical attention immediately.

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Other key indicators are the symptoms that accompany pain in the abdomen

Emergency symptoms

If any of the following symptoms occur in addition to pain, emergency assistance may be required:

fever
Inability to eat without vomiting
Difficulty breathing or chest pain
irregular heartbeat
feeling light-headed or fainting
Dark, black or bloody stools
Vomiting blood

Another thing to keep in mind is that some people with certain conditions are at higher risk and should go to the emergency room.

For example:

individuals who have recently undergone an endoscopy or abdominal surgery
women who are pregnant or may be pregnant
People over 45 years of age who experience pain in the upper abdomen or tightness in the chest (may indicate a heart attack)
People who have undergone gastric bypass surgery.

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Some signs that abdominal pain requires medical intervention in the emergency room

Intense pain

If the pain is so severe that you cannot stand up, go to the emergency room.

Another sign of possible severity is if the stomach is sensitive to touch or if it occurs suddenly or with fever.

Vomiting

If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of vomiting and notice blood in your vomit, you should seek medical attention.

Recent surgery or pregnancy?

It is important to remember that if you are experiencing abdominal pain and have recently undergone surgery or are pregnant, a trip to us is definitely the right choice.

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