Yes, you should seek emergency care (ER) for abdominal pain if it is sudden, intense, or accompanied by “red flag” symptoms. While many stomach issues can be managed at Sahara West Urgent Care, certain types of pain indicate life-threatening conditions—such as a ruptured appendix, bowel obstruction, or internal bleeding—that require immediate hospital intervention.
However, not all stomach pain requires an expensive ER visit. If your pain is uncomfortable but stable, visiting an urgent care center can save you time and money while still providing a high level of diagnostic care.
Common “Red Flag” Symptoms Requiring an ER Visit
You should call 911 or head to the nearest emergency room immediately if your abdominal pain is paired with:
-
Severe, Localized Pain: Especially in the lower right abdomen, which may indicate appendicitis.
-
Signs of Hemorrhage: Vomiting blood (which may look like coffee grounds) or passing bloody or black, tarry stools.
-
High Fever and Rigidity: A very high fever combined with a stomach that feels hard or board-like to the touch.
-
Inability to Hydrate: Persistent, uncontrollable vomiting that prevents you from keeping any liquids down.
-
Trauma: Severe pain that began immediately after an accident or physical injury.
The Diagnostic Process: Why an Exam is Required
Abdominal pain can be tricky because the source could be anything from the gallbladder to the kidneys. At Sahara West Urgent Care, to ensure you receive the correct level of care, our medical team may perform:
-
Physical Assessment: Checking for “rebound tenderness” or guarding in specific quadrants.
-
Vital Sign Monitoring: Checking for low blood pressure or high heart rate, which can signal shock or infection.
-
On-site Diagnostics: Using urinalysis or blood draws to rule out infections like UTIs or pancreatitis.
Why Choose Sahara West Urgent Care for Your Treatment?
While a hospital ER is necessary for surgery or life-saving stabilization, Sahara West Urgent Care serves as the bridge for moderate symptoms. We prioritize patient safety by offering rapid evaluations. If our providers determine your pain is a surgical emergency, we will coordinate your transfer to a hospital. For non-emergencies, we provide the answers and relief you need without the 6-hour wait time of a traditional ER.
Experiencing concerning abdominal pain? Don’t ignore it. Visit Sahara West Urgent Care today for an expert evaluation. We offer walk-in appointments and professional medical care to get you back on your feet. Book your visit here.
