You should go to the emergency room (ER) for abdominal pain that is sudden, severe, and rapidly worsening, especially if it is accompanied by “red flag” symptoms like a high fever, vomiting blood, or an inability to keep fluids down. While Sahara West Urgent Care can treat many digestive issues, certain types of pain indicate surgical emergencies—such as a ruptured appendix or bowel obstruction—that require immediate hospital intervention.
At Sahara West Urgent Care, we help patients identify when their pain is manageable in an urgent care setting and when it requires the advanced life-saving resources of an ER.
Critical “Red Flag” Symptoms for the ER
Seek immediate emergency care if your abdominal pain is paired with:
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Signs of Internal Bleeding: Vomiting blood (may look like coffee grounds) or passing black, tarry, or bloody stools.
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Rigid or Swollen Abdomen: A stomach that is hard to the touch or visibly distended and painful.
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Radiating Pain: Discomfort that spreads to your chest, neck, jaw, or back, which can sometimes signal a heart attack.
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Signs of Shock: Feeling faint, dizzy, confused, or having a rapid heart rate.
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Pregnancy: Any severe abdominal pain during pregnancy should be evaluated in an ER immediately.
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Recent Trauma: Pain following a car accident or significant physical injury.
Common Conditions Treated at Sahara West Urgent Care
For moderate but non-life-threatening symptoms, Sahara West Urgent Care provides a faster, expert alternative to the ER. We frequently treat:
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Digestive Distress: Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that isn’t accompanied by blood.
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Infections: Suspected UTIs or kidney stones causing localized flank or lower belly pain.
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Inflammatory Flares: Mild to moderate pain from diverticulitis, gastritis, or acid reflux.
The Diagnostic Process: Why an Exam is Required
Abdominal pain is complex because it can involve the digestive, urinary, or reproductive systems. To ensure you get the right care, our team at Sahara West Urgent Care may perform:
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Physical Palpation: To check for specific areas of tenderness like McBurney’s point (a sign of appendicitis).
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On-Site Diagnostics: Rapid urinalysis or blood work to check for infection or dehydration.
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Medical History Review: To see if your pain correlates with previous surgeries or chronic conditions.
Why Choose Sahara West Urgent Care for Your Treatment?
While hospitals are designed for major surgeries, Sahara West Urgent Care prioritizes your safety by providing thorough evaluations for moderate pain without the 6-hour ER wait. We offer on-site diagnostics to ensure you receive the correct treatment or prescription. If our providers determine your condition is a surgical emergency, we will provide initial stabilization and coordinate your immediate transfer to a specialist.
Worried about your stomach pain? Don’t wait for it to get worse. Visit Sahara West Urgent Care today for a professional evaluation. We offer walk-in appointments and expert care to help you find relief quickly. Book your visit here.
