Stomach pain generally becomes concerning if it is severe, sudden, or persists for more than 24 to 48 hours. While minor indigestion often resolves within a few hours, lingering or worsening pain can be a sign of an underlying infection, inflammation, or obstruction that requires professional medical evaluation.
At Sahara West Urgent Care, we recommend monitoring the “trajectory” of your pain. If the discomfort is moving from a general ache to a sharp, localized sensation—particularly lower right abdomen pain—it is time to seek care immediately rather than waiting for the 48-hour mark.
Symptoms That Make Stomach Pain Urgent
Regardless of how long the pain has lasted, you should seek medical attention if you experience:
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Intense Severity: Pain that prevents you from standing up straight or finding a comfortable position.
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Fever and Chills: Suggesting a systemic infection or abscess.
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Persistent Vomiting: The inability to keep down water or clear liquids for more than 12 hours.
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Changes in Stool: Bloody, black, or tarry stools, or a total inability to pass gas or stool.
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Localized Tenderness: Pain that is sharp and stays in one specific spot when touched.
Common Conditions Treated at Urgent Care for Abdominal Pain
Urgent care facilities are equipped to diagnose and treat many causes of persistent stomach pain, including:
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Gastrointestinal Infections: Food poisoning, gastritis, or viral enteritis.
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Urinary Issues: Kidney stones or bladder infections that radiate to the abdomen.
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Inflammatory Conditions: Mild flares of diverticulitis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
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Acid-Related Issues: Severe heartburn or GERD that does not respond to over-the-counter antacids.
The Diagnostic Process: Why an Exam is Required
You cannot accurately determine the cause of internal pain without a clinical evaluation. To ensure your safety and rule out surgical emergencies, the medical team at Sahara West Urgent Care may perform:
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Physical Exam: Checking for guarding, rebound tenderness, and bowel sounds.
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Urinalysis: To rule out infections or stones in the urinary tract.
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Blood Work: To check for elevated white blood cell counts or signs of dehydration.
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Vital Sign Review: Monitoring for high heart rate or low blood pressure, which can indicate more serious distress.
Why Choose Sahara West Urgent Care for Your Treatment?
While a simple stomach ache might feel minor, Sahara West Urgent Care provides the diagnostic certainty you need to avoid complications. We offer on-site testing and expert evaluations with significantly shorter wait times than a traditional emergency room. If your pain is found to be a surgical emergency, like acute appendicitis, we provide initial stabilization and coordinate your transfer to a hospital specialist.
Is your stomach pain lasting longer than a day? Don’t wait for it to become unbearable. Visit Sahara West Urgent Care today for a walk-in evaluation and professional care to help you feel better faster. Book your visit here.
