Care Connections Blog

Abdominal pain is a common issue that affects everyone at some point. For the most part, these can resolve on their own, but if the pain is chronic or unbearable, then it could be severe. Knowing when to seek emergency care can make all the difference in preventing complications or addressing life-threatening conditions.

Common Causes of Severe Abdominal Pain

While mild to moderate pain in the abdomen has been associated with gas, indigestion, and other less serious problems, pain can be associated with more severe conditions. Some of the more common causes include:

• Appendicitis: inflammation of the appendix, and most of the time, it requires emergency surgery. The pain typically begins around the belly button and then shifts to the lower right abdomen. Other possible symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and fever.
• Gallstones: severe pain in the upper right abdomen that may radiate to the back, which could be due to gallstones or the inflammation of the gallbladder, medically termed cholecystitis.
• Kidney Stones: pain starting in the back or side and moving toward the groin may be a kidney stone.
• Pancreatitis: pain that worsens after eating, especially if it is felt in the upper abdomen and radiates to your back, may indicate an inflamed pancreas.
• Intestinal Obstruction: partial obstruction of your intestines may cause severe abdominal cramping or bloating and constipation with the inability to pass gas or stool.
• Peptic Ulcers: severe, persistent pain in the upper abdomen that feels like burning or gnawing could indicate a peptic ulcer.

Signs It's Time to Go to the ER

While it's not always easy to determine the severity of your abdominal pain, sure signs mean you need immediate emergency care. If the pain comes on quickly and is intense, it's a red flag. This can be a sign of appendicitis, a perforated ulcer, or even a ruptured organ. A high fever and severe abdominal pain could indicate an infection requiring prompt treatment.

If your abdomen is visibly swollen or highly tender to the touch, it could signal internal bleeding or inflammation that requires urgent medical attention. If you cannot keep food or liquids down, especially if the vomiting lasts more than a few hours or contains blood, you should visit the ER. Any sign of blood should not be ignored. Blood in your vomit or stool could indicate a bleeding ulcer, while blood in your urine may be a sign of kidney stones or another issue.

When to Call 911

Some symptoms are severe enough that driving yourself to the ER may not be safe. Immediately call 911 if you have:

• Sudden sharp pain that leaves you unable to move
• Severe pain associated with confusion, weakness, or fainting
• Chest pain that radiates to your abdomen or difficulty breathing

Trust Your Gut

When it comes to abdominal pain, your body is telling you to take it seriously. When something does not feel right or if you are concerned about symptoms, it is always better to be safe than sorry. The Mary Rutan Health Emergency Services team is here 24/7, providing expert care when you need it most. Abdominal pain can have many causes, some of which are emergencies. Understanding when to seek help may save your life or prevent a minor issue from becoming big.