Managing Upper Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention

Upper abdominal pain can be common, but knowing when it signals a more serious condition is crucial. At Express Health Urgent Care, we’re here to help you understand when to seek medical attention. Here’s a guide on when you should visit our facility.

Visit Immediately if You Experience:

● Sudden, Severe Pain: If the pain is sharp and radiates to your chest, back, or shoulders, seek immediate care.
● Chest Pain or Shortness of Breath: These symptoms could indicate a heart issue and require urgent attention.
● Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea: These symptoms can lead to dehydration and complications.
● Blood in Vomit or Stool: This may signal internal bleeding, requiring immediate intervention.
● High Fever (Over 101°F/38.3°C): A fever with chills can indicate an infection.
● Abdominal Swelling or Jaundice: These symptoms may suggest liver or biliary tract issues.

When to Visit if Pain Persists or Worsens:

● Prolonged Pain: Pain that lasts more than a few days or worsens may indicate a condition like gastritis or pancreatitis.
● Recurring Pain: Intermittent pain might point to an ongoing issue that needs assessment.
● Pain Affecting Daily Life: If pain impacts your daily activities, it’s time to seek help.
● Pain After Eating or drinking: This could be linked to acid reflux, gallbladder disease, or pancreatitis.

While upper abdominal pain is often not serious, pay attention to warning signs that may require medical evaluation. Visit Express Health Urgent Care for timely care and professional guidance.

At Express Health Urgent Care, we understand that upper abdominal pain can be concerning. It’s important to recognize when this pain signals a serious issue requiring medical attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms, we encourage you to seek prompt evaluation:

Warning Signs:

● Sudden Severe Pain: Intense pain that comes quickly, especially with other symptoms, could indicate conditions like gallstones or a perforated ulcer.
● Progressive Pain: Pain that worsens over time or lasts more than 24 hours may point to a medical concern that needs immediate attention.
● Radiating Pain: Pain spreading to the chest, back, or shoulders could signal gallbladder or heart-related issues.
● Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent nausea or vomiting, especially with bloody or coffee-ground-like vomit, may indicate internal bleeding.
● Fever and Chills: These symptoms could suggest a systemic infection or inflammation.
● Tenderness to the Touch: If your upper abdomen is tender, it might indicate inflammation or an abscess.
● Jaundice: Yellowing skin or eyes could signal liver or gallbladder problems.
● Changes in Bowel Habits: Diarrhea, constipation, or abnormal stool could be linked to digestive issues.
● Unintentional Weight Loss: Unexpected weight loss may indicate chronic conditions that require evaluation.
● Difficulty Swallowing: Pain or difficulty swallowing can point to esophageal or gastric problems.
● Chest Pain or Shortness of Breath: These symptoms and abdominal pain could suggest a cardiac or respiratory issue.

If pain disrupts daily activities or doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medications, trust your instincts and visit Express Health Urgent Care. Our expert team is here to help.

Upper abdominal pain can be concerning, and knowing when to seek medical attention is essential for your health. Our team at Express Health Urgent Care provides prompt care to address your concerns and ensure your well-being.

Pain Intensity and Duration: If your pain is severe, persistent, or doesn’t improve with over-the-counter remedies, seek medical attention. Prolonged or worsening pain may indicate conditions like gallbladder attacks or pancreatitis.

Associated Symptoms: Pay attention to accompanying symptoms such as:

● Fever and chills
● Persistent vomiting
● Jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes)
● Abdominal bloating or distension
● Unexplained weight loss
● Changes in bowel habits

Pain Radiating: If the pain radiates to the chest, back, or shoulders, it could signal gallstones or even a heart attack. Immediate care is vital.

Abdominal Tenderness: Sensitivity in the upper abdomen, especially when pressure is applied, may indicate an underlying issue. Our healthcare professionals can assess and guide treatment.

Medical History: If you have a history of gastrointestinal problems, recent surgery, or trauma, or ongoing digestive issues, a tailored evaluation is crucial.

Serious Conditions: Conditions like appendicitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and ulcers may cause upper abdominal pain. At Express Health Urgent Care, we are equipped to diagnose and treat these promptly.

If you experience symptoms that are concerning, trust your instincts and visit Express Health Urgent Care for a thorough evaluation and timely care.

At Express Health Urgent Care, we understand how distressing upper abdominal pain can be. Our team provides prompt, accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for relief.

Comprehensive Evaluation: We begin by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical exam. Our providers assess the nature of your symptoms, including duration, triggers, and related symptoms like nausea or changes in bowel habits. We also evaluate the abdomen for tenderness or abnormalities.

Advanced Imaging: To identify the cause of pain, we offer several imaging options:

● Ultrasound: Non-invasive, real-time imaging of abdominal organs.
● CT Scan: Detailed cross-sectional images to detect issues like gallstones or tumors.
● MRI: High-resolution images of soft tissues.

Endoscopic and Lab Tests: If needed, we may recommend:

● Upper Endoscopy (EGD): Views the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum to identify issues like ulcers.
● Colonoscopy: Examines the large intestine for abnormalities.
● Lab tests, such as blood work and urine analysis, help detect infections or conditions affecting the liver or pancreas.

Specialized Tests: In some cases, further tests may include:

● Capsule Endoscopy: Captures images of the small intestine.
● Laparoscopy: Minimally invasive surgery to view abdominal organs.
● Barium Swallow: X-ray of the upper digestive tract.
● HIDA Scan: Assesses gallbladder function.

We tailor our diagnostic approach to each patient, aiming to quickly identify the cause of your pain and develop an effective treatment plan. For more information, contact us or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations in East Harlem, NY, Metropolitan, NY, and Staten Island, NY. We serve patients from East Harlem, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Greenpoint, Staten Island, Rossville, Tottenville, the Metropolitan New York City area, and surrounding neighborhoods in NY.