3 Signs Your Abdominal Pain May Be Serious

It’s quite common to get a little stomach ache after eating a big meal or taking a tumble around in a roller-coaster. But there are times where these abdominal pains are highly painful. Our stomach can tell us a lot about our health. Many underlying medical conditions can cause pain to our stomachs. Therefore, certain abdominal pains should not be ignored. 

Sudden Pain 

There are many reasons why your abdomen may suddenly start hurting you. Some of these require immediate medical attention. For instance, sudden, severe abdominal pain in your lower right stomach could be a sign of appendicitis. This pain often starts out around the belly button and is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. If you suspect that you may have appendicitis, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. 

If you are female and suddenly start experiencing lower abdominal pains in your lower left or right abdomen, you may have a ruptured ovarian cyst. Issues with your ovaries can be caused by a fluctuation in your hormones, pregnancy, sexual intercourse, and constipation. In some cases an ovary may need to be removed. If you suspect you are having issues with a ruptured ovary (or ovaries), you should seek medical attention immediately. 

Stabbing Pain 

Stabbing pain involves an influx of pain all at one instant, as if you were being stabbed. If you are experiencing knife-like, aching pain in your upper abdomen (between your ribcage) you may have an underlying heart issue. Indigestion may be the cause of this pain, but if it is accompanied by shortness of breath, it could be serious. Anyone who has experienced these symptoms persistently should consider visiting a medical professional. 

Stabbing, knife-like pain in your lower stomach can sometimes indicate a kidney stone. To confirm or rule out a kidney stone an ultrasound or CT scan is required. If you are experiencing nausea, chills, fever, and vomiting in addition to this pain, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.  

Persistent Pain

While it is easy to tell what is going on with certain, intense stomach pains, some stomach pains are different. With persistent pain, you may experience discomfort and pain that you are so used to you think it doesn’t require medical attention. However, persistent pain in the lower abdomen accompanied with bloating, diarrhea, or weight loss can indicate an underlying condition. 

Persistent cramps with bloating, diarrhea, or constipation can be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome. This condition is connected heavily with the level of stress and anxiety in your day-to-day life. Irritable bowel syndrome can be managed through diet and stress management. However, it is important to first seek out medical help in order to get an exact diagnosis. 

If you are experiencing persistent stomach pain with diarrhea and weight loss, you may have a chronic disease called Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease involves inflammation in your digestive system, especially in your small intestine and colon. There is no current cure for Crohn’s disease. However, the disease can be managed through antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, an adjusted diet, and in some cases surgery. 

When to Seek Help

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Any urgent or non-urgent pain can become serious with time. If you are experiencing any sort of pain that doesn’t feel like a normal, “ate too much” stomach ache, you may want to be seen as soon as possible. If you have stabbing pains, cramping, persistent pain, or sudden pain, you should look into being seen by a medical professional.

BASS Urgent Care is here for you and ready to help. With multiple services that allow us to run various tests and even x-rays, our urgent care services will help you find the answers and relief you seek. Don’t wait around for your condition to worsen before seeing a doctor.

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