If you have abdominal pain, you may need to visit your local urgent care clinic. Several factors can cause abdominal pain. It may be something simple, such as indigestion, or a more serious condition, such as acute appendicitis. The type and severity of your pain, along with any other symptoms, tell you if you should go to an urgent care center in Rochester, NY. Here’s more to know.
The Causes of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is any discomfort in or below the level of the stomach. The pain can range from mild to severe.
People may describe their abdominal pain as stabbing, cramping, burning, and more. Plus, the discomfort may be localized (confined to one area) or spread throughout the lower abdominal area. Abdominal pain may be constant, or it may come and go.
The common and relatively benign causes of abdominal pain include the following acute health problems:
Indigestion
This is a common cause of abdominal pain. It comes from overeating, eating too quickly, or consuming spicy or fatty foods.
Gas and Bloating
Excess gas in the digestive tract can cause bloating and discomfort. Gastrointestinal gas forms after eating certain foods, such as beans or carbonated beverages. Gas may come from acute health problems like the flu or food poisoning.
Menstruation
Cramping and pain in the lower abdomen are common symptoms which develop during a woman’s monthly period. Ovulation–the release of an egg from an ovary–also can cause one-sided or generalized abdominal discomfort.
Constipation
Difficulty passing stool can lead to cramping and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Inactivity, certain medications and foods, and other factors can cause constipation.
Gastroenteritis
This stomach infection causes inflammation of the stomach and intestinal lining. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting may develop with gastroenteritis. Food poisoning or common illnesses, such as seasonal flu, may cause painful gastroenteritis.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits of mineral and acid salts formed inside the kidneys, ureters, and bladder. When these stones move through the urinary tract, they can cause severe abdominal pain.
When to Seek Urgent Care for Abdominal Pain
In some cases. abdominal pain may be a symptom of a very serious health problem. Examples of these conditions are acute appendicitis, cancer, trauma, aneurysm (a vascular defect), and ectopic pregnancy.
In general, you should seek medical help if your abdominal pain:
- Is severe and/or develops suddenly, worsens quickly, and does not get better within half an hour
- Is accompanied by a fever, vomiting, and bloody bowel movements
- Starts right after a blow to the abdomen (as in a sports mishap, fall, or car accident)
- Is mild to moderate but ongoing, lasting more than 30 minutes
- Comes with abdominal swelling, changes in skin color, difficulty breathing, or chest pain
As with any acute (sudden) or chronic (continuing) medical symptoms, remember that you know your body best. If you feel that you need to be seen by a trained healthcare provider, contact your primary care physician.
Reserve a trip to a hospital ER for the most severe symptoms. Choose a visit to your urgent care clinic when abdominal pain worries you, but your symptoms are not life-threatening.
Urgent care for your abdominal pain offers:
- Quick medical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for your health problem
- Onsite lab tests and imaging
- Care by an ER-trained provider
- Off-hours availability
- Costs are far lower than hospital emergency room visits
- Short wait times
- No need for an appointment (simply walk-in)
Urgent Care for Abdominal Pain in Rochester, NY
At Cornerstone Urgent Care, our caring providers deliver the finest diagnostic assessment and treatment options for many health problems. Our clinic is staffed by emergency medicine providers, and their emergency room experience allows us to treat patients more than an average urgent care clinic in Rochester. From diagnostic services and medical imaging to laboratory testing and occupational medicine services, we look forward to providing you with the services you need.
You will be seen and cared for quickly and accurately. Just walk-in during our regular hours: Monday through Friday or 8 am to 8 pm or Saturdays and Sundays 9 am to 7 pm. We are open on all holidays for your convenience.
For more information about our services, call us at (585) 207-0088. You may also use our check-in tool here. We look forward to serving you!
