Stomach Pain? Here’s When You Should Go to the Emergency Room

Abdominal pain is a broad symptom that could indicate one of many different ailments. Some could be as simple as “gas”, while others could indicate a more serious problem. But it can be difficult to know what requires medical attention and what can be treated or resolved at home.

Our expert George A. Mazpule, M.D., FACS, general surgeon at Hackensack University Medical Center, explains what you need to know and when you should head to the emergency room for stomach pain.

When to Go to the Emergency Room for Abdominal Pain

“I never deter a patient from going to the ER for abdominal pain,” says Dr. Mazpule. If you are in pain and worried, you should seek medical attention. But if you are hesitant and looking for specific guidelines, Dr. Mazpule says, “An indication you should go to the ER is if the pain is severe and unrelenting.” Also, if your abdomen hurts any time you move, that’s a sign you need to see a medical professional. 

You should also go to the ER if your abdominal pain is accompanied by one of these symptoms: 

• Nausea

• Vomiting 

• Constipation 

• Bulge in the abdominal wall
• Bloating

The Pain Location

Noting the location of the pain will help determine what condition or problem you may be experiencing. Pain near the belly button down into the right lower quadrant may be a sign of appendicitis. Upper-right quadrant pain may indicate a gallbladder attack or ulcer. Lower left-side pain could indicate diverticulitis, and back pain may be caused by pancreatitis or gallstones.

Common Causes of Severe Stomach Pain

“Approximately 99 percent of the severe cases of abdominal pain needing urgent or emergent surgery we see in the ER are usually one of four things,” says Dr. Mazpule. They are: 

1. Appendicitis 

2. Gallbladder attack or inflammation

3. Perforation in the GI tract 

4. Hernia 

The good news is these can all be treated with well-established treatments and procedures. However, early intervention is key because ailments, such as appendicitis or a perforation of the GI tract, depending on its location and severity, may require immediate surgery. 

Surgery can be scary, but new minimally invasive techniques as well as robotic-assisted surgery help to reduce complications, need for “open” surgery and speed up recovery times.

Common Causes of Less Severe Abdominal Pain

Not all abdominal pain means you have a serious condition or that you need emergency surgery. You may be suffering from: 

• Colitis 

• Gastroenteritis 

• Gastritis 

Some of these may resolve on their own, while others may need medications such as antibiotics. 

The most important thing to remember about abdominal pain is that it can be an indicator of dozens of conditions both benign and emergent, so it’s nearly impossible to diagnose without a proper evaluation. 

You may feel tempted to wait it out and not deal with the hassle of going to the ER, but if you are experiencing pain, it’s better to be safe and get checked out. As Dr. Mazpule says, “The quicker you evaluate the problem, the quicker your recovery will be.” 

Next Steps & Resources: 

• Meet our source: George A. Mazpule, M.D.

• To make an appointment with a doctor, call 800-822-8905, or visit our website. 

• Learn more about surgical services at Hackensack Meridian Health.

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.