Abdominal pain emergency room treatment

When severe abdominal pain strikes, every minute counts. At Prestige Emergency Room, we understand that waiting for care can be agonizing, which is why we offer dramatically reduced wait times and immediate access to board-certified physicians, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate treatment.

Our four San Antonio locations are open 24/7, so you can receive expert abdominal pain care whenever you need it.

Abdominal pain can have a variety of causes. Some causes, like gas or indigestion, may be mild. Some, like appendicitis or kidney stones, are serious and require rapid assessment and treatment.

Prestige Emergency Room is a top-ranked provider of abdominal pain treatment. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology and our onsite labs, our experienced providers can quickly diagnose and treat abdominal pain in patients of all ages—without the long waits typical of traditional hospital ERs.

It is vital to know when to go to the ER for stomach pain. Emergencies don’t wait, and neither should you.

What causes abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain can be caused by benign issues like indigestion or gas, or more severe causes like appendicitis or kidney stones.

Some common causes of abdominal pain include:

Stomach virus (stomach “flu”).
Diarrhea or constipation.
Food allergies or sensitivities.
Indigestion.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Food poisoning.
Ulcers.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Gallbladder disease or gallstones.
Hernia.
Kidney or liver conditions.
Urinary tract infection (UTI).
Appendicitis.
Diverticulitis.

Because many underlying issues can cause stomach pain, a medical exam is essential to diagnose it and ensure proper treatment to prevent more serious complications.

When to go to the ER for stomach pain—fast care, no delays

Severe abdominal pain requires prompt medical attention in the ER and may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Fever.
Bloody, dark, or sticky stools.
Stabbing, sharp, or persistent pain that remains constant or comes in waves.

The location or timing of your pain can be significant:

Severe abdominal pain in the lower left abdomen may indicate diverticulitis (an infection of the colon) or a kidney stone.
Severe pain in the lower right abdomen may indicate appendicitis (inflammation of the appendix).
Stomach pain that develops after an injury can be a sign of internal bleeding or another injury and should be evaluated in the ER immediately.
Abdominal pain during pregnancy should be evaluated emergently.

At Prestige ER, you won’t spend hours in a crowded waiting room. Our streamlined process ensures you’re seen quickly by experienced emergency physicians who can diagnose and treat your condition right away.

Vomiting and diarrhea are common symptoms that accompany stomach pain. When should you visit an emergency room for these symptoms?

When to go to the ER for vomiting and diarrhea

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common symptoms of viral gastroenteritis, sometimes called the stomach flu. Some cases of vomiting and diarrhea resolve on their own, but persistent or severe symptoms require emergency assessment and care.

Sometimes, a more serious condition may be causing your symptoms. You should visit an ER for vomiting and diarrhea if:

You are experiencing symptoms of dehydration, including extreme thirst, dry mouth, rapid heart rate, lethargy, weakness, decreased urination, dark-colored urine, fever, or dizziness upon standing.
Your vomit is bloody, dark, or resembles coffee grounds.
You are experiencing a severe headache along with vomiting and diarrhea.
Vomiting lasts more than 48 hours for an adult, more than 24 hours for a child under two, or more than 12 hours for an infant.

Don’t wait in pain. Prestige ER provides fast, expert care when you need it most.

When to go to the ER for food poisoning—little to no wait, expert care

Food poisoning is another common cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is important to know when to seek care in an emergency room.

This common condition often results from eating food contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or other pathogens. Symptoms often include:

Nausea.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Stomach pain or cramping.
Headache.
Fever.
Weakness.

Food poisoning usually resolves within two days. Visit Prestige ER for ongoing symptoms or the following:

High fever (over 102°F).
Bloody vomit or diarrhea.
Dark or minimal urine.
Confusion.
Dizziness or weakness.
Blurred vision.

It is vital to monitor children with vomiting or diarrhea for signs of dehydration, as they can become severely dehydrated more quickly than adults.

If you are experiencing severe abdominal pain or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, visit our providers at Prestige ER—where you’ll be seen almost immediately, not hours from now.

What can the ER do for stomach pain? Fast diagnosis, near-immediate treatment

At Prestige ER, our experienced providers will provide personalized treatment for your stomach pain. With little to no wait times, you’ll be evaluated quickly so we can begin treatment right away.

Diagnosis begins with a thorough review of your symptoms and a physical exam. Your provider will use palpation (gentle pressure) to determine the location of your pain.

Depending on your risk factors and symptoms, your provider may order diagnostic tests, including:

Blood work.
Urinalysis.
Ultrasound.
CT scan.

All imaging and diagnostic services are available onsite, ensuring rapid results and faster treatment decisions.

Once your provider determines the underlying cause of your stomach pain, your treatment may include:

Pain medication to reduce pain and inflammation.
Antibiotics to fight infection.
Medications to treat diarrhea or constipation.
Medication to manage the production of stomach acid.
IV fluid therapy to correct dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea.

If your provider identifies a serious underlying issue like appendicitis, diverticulitis, or a hernia, surgery may be required.

Choose Prestige ER for fast, expert abdominal pain care

When severe abdominal pain strikes, you need care now—not later. Prestige ER offers prompt, individualized emergency treatment for severe abdominal pain and other medical emergencies, with dramatically reduced wait times and 24/7 access to board-certified physicians, advanced diagnostics, and compassionate care.

Visit us at any of our San Antonio locations today and experience the difference that immediate, expert care can make.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go to the emergency room for abdominal pain?

Yes, you should visit Prestige ER for abdominal pain, especially when it’s severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like vomiting, fever, bloody stools, or pain after an injury.

What are the three red flags in abdominal pain?

Three critical red flags include severe pain with high fever, vomiting blood, and sudden, intense pain that signals a condition requiring immediate medical attention.

How much pain should I be in before I go to the ER?

Pain at level 7 or higher on a 1-10 scale indicates you should seek urgent medical care, particularly if the pain is stabbing, sharp, or constant.

How does the ER diagnose abdominal pain?

At Prestige ER, our ER providers review your medical history and symptoms, perform a physical exam with palpation, and order diagnostic tests such as blood work, urinalysis, ultrasound, or CT scans, all available on-site.