When Does Abdominal Pain Warrant a Trip to Urgent Care in Branford, CT?

Abdominal Pain - Urgent Care in Branford, CT

It’s never easy to know when something is wrong with your stomach. While some would associate abdominal pain as something that can be remedied with an over-the-counter medication, there are some cases when the pain is more serious and warrants a trip to an urgent care clinic in Branford, CT.

At some point, we experience pain that could be anything from a growling tummy to full-blown appendicitis. Other times, what looks like a mild discomfort could quickly turn to severe pain that doesn’t go away even after taking medication. So, before the stomach pain turns into something serious, it’s best to come into Docs Urgent Care in Branford, CT, for a checkup.

Abdominal Pain vs. Stomach Ache

There is a difference between abdominal pain and a simple stomach ache. A stomach ache is often caused by gas or indigestion and can be remedied with over-the-counter medication. However, abdominal pain is a more general term that encompasses a wide range of issues, including but not limited to the following:

  • Gastroenteritis or stomach flu
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Kidney stones
  • Gallstones
  • Appendicitis
  • Pancreatitis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Irritable bowel syndrome

     

If you experience the following symptoms, consider setting an appointment with Docs Urgent Care – Branford in Connecticut.

Common Causes of Stomach and Abdominal Pain that Don't Require Urgent Care Attention

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There are many different causes of stomach pain, and not all of them require urgent care. Some common causes of stomach pain include gas, indigestion, and food poisoning. Generally, these types of stomach pain can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications. However, if the pain is severe or lasts more than a few days, you must immediately see a medical professional at an urgent care clinic near you.

These causes include appendicitis and ulcers. These conditions often require urgent medical care, so if you experience severe abdominal pain, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Urgent care centers like Docs Urgent Care – Branford can provide the care you need when you need it.

When to Go to Urgent Care in Branford, CT, for Abdominal Pain

If the pain is mild and doesn’t get any worse, you may be able to wait it out at home and see if it improves on its own. However, if the pain persists or worsens, it’s always best to avoid caution and visit urgent care in Branford, CT, as this could signify a more serious condition. The professionals at Docs Urgent Care – Branford will be able to properly diagnose and treat your condition so that you can feel better as soon as possible.

Here are a few signs that stomach pain warrants a trip to urgent care in Branford, CT.

Sign #1: The Pain Doesn't Go Away

Most people have experienced a stomachache at some point in their lives. Whether from eating too much junk food or drinking alcohol on an empty stomach, a stomachache is usually nothing to worry about and will go away on its own within a few hours. However, there are some cases where a stomachache is a sign of a more serious problem and requires medical attention.

You must visit an urgent care clinic near you if you experience a stomachache that doesn’t go away after a few hours. The urgent care clinic in Branford, CT, can help to diagnose the cause of your stomachache and provide the appropriate treatment. Sometimes, a simple over-the-counter medication can help relieve the pain. However, if the pain is caused by something more serious, such as an infection or appendicitis, you may need to be hospitalized for treatment.

Sign #2: Abdominal Swelling

Abdominal swelling can be a sign of a serious medical condition and therefore requires urgent medical attention. If you are experiencing abdominal swelling, you must visit an urgent care clinic in Branford, CT, to make a proper diagnosis. A CT scan may be ordered to determine the cause of the swelling. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the cause of the swelling.

If the cause of the abdominal swelling is not immediately apparent, you may be referred to a specialist for further testing. However, if the swelling is caused by a significant fluid build-up, you may need to have a procedure to remove it. In some cases, abdominal swelling can signify a more serious condition, such as an intestinal obstruction or a mesenteric infarction.

Treatment for abdominal swelling will vary depending on the underlying cause. Regardless, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure that you receive the appropriate care. Prompt treatment can often prevent serious complications from occurring.

Sign #3: Black or Blood Stool

If you experience black or bloody stool, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. This could signify a serious gastrointestinal problem, such as a bowel obstruction or cancer. While the blood in your stool may be from something less serious, such as hemorrhoids, it’s always best to consult with an urgent care provider near you for a proper diagnosis. A digital rectal exam or colonoscopy may be ordered to determine the cause of the blood in your stool. Treatment for black or bloody stool will vary depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, surgery may be required to treat the condition.

Sign #4: Severe Pain After Food Intake, Especially Fatty Meals

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Severe pain after eating, especially fatty meals, can be a sign of pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a serious condition that can often be life-threatening. If you are experiencing severe pain after eating, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. A CT scan or MRI may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis of pancreatitis. Treatment for pancreatitis will vary depending on the severity of the condition but may include hospitalization and surgery.

Sign #5: Weight Loss and Fatigue

If you are experiencing unexplained weight loss and fatigue, it’s important to seek medical attention at an urgent care clinic in Branford, CT. These could be signs of a serious underlying health condition, such as cancer or an autoimmune disease. While weight loss and fatigue can also be caused by less serious conditions, such as stress or a lack of sleep, it’s always best to consult an urgent care provider for a proper diagnosis. Blood tests, X-rays, and other imaging tests may be ordered to determine the cause of your weight loss and fatigue. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause but may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

Sign #6: Constipation or Diarrhea

If you are experiencing constipation or diarrhea lasting more than a few days, it’s important to seek medical attention. These could be signs of a serious underlying health condition, such as IBD or celiac disease. While constipation and diarrhea can also be caused by less serious conditions, such as a change in diet or stress, it’s always best to consult an urgent care provider in Branford, CT, for a proper diagnosis.

Blood tests, stool samples, and imaging tests may be ordered to determine the cause of your constipation or diarrhea. Treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause but may include medication, lifestyle changes, or surgery.

Don’t wait until the pain becomes unbearable — if you have a stomachache that doesn’t go away, make an appointment at the urgent care clinic in Branford, CT, today.

How To Avoid Abdominal Pain

urgent care for Abdominal Pain in Branford, CT

Abdominal pain is a common problem that most people will experience at some point in their lives. There are many causes of abdominal pain, ranging from indigestion to more serious problems like appendicitis. In most cases, the cause of abdominal pain can be determined based on the location of the pain and the associated symptoms.

However, if the cause of abdominal pain is unclear, it is important to seek medical attention. Urgent care clinics in Branford, CT, can provide CT imaging and other diagnostic tests to help determine the cause of abdominal pain. Occasionally, abdominal pain can be treated with over-the-counter medications or home remedies. However, if the pain is severe or persistent, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluation.

Here are a few things you can do to help prevent abdominal pain:

  • Eat a healthy diet and avoid processed foods
  • Avoid overeating — eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full
  • Exercise regularly
  • Drink plenty of fluids, especially water
  • Eat fiber-rich food
  • Check your food’s expiration date
  • Do not consume food that is not stored or cooked properly
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol
  • Get regular medical checkups

The Best Urgent Care Clinic Near Me is in Branford, CT!

If you are experiencing abdominal pain, the best thing to do is seek medical attention at an urgent care clinic. Urgent care clinics in Branford, CT, provide walk-in appointments to accommodate patients quickly. Docs Urgent Care in Branford, CT, offers convenient urgent care services for patients of all ages. We provide necessary diagnostic testing and medications to help relieve pain. If you are experiencing abdominal pain, don’t wait — come to Docs Urgent Care in Branford, CT, today!

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