Many times, abdominal pain is harmless and short-lived. However, there are cases where it requires a trip to the doctor. Knowing when to call a medical professional will ensure that you protect yourself against severe illnesses, emergency trips to the hospital, and long-term conditions. Here’s what you need to know. 

How to Tell if Abdominal Pain Requires a Doctor

1. Additional Symptoms

While stomach pain may be the primary problem bothering you, watch for other issues, such as fever, diarrhea, and nausea. These show that the body’s systems are being affected and that you may have a more serious condition. Resting and taking it easy won’t be enough to solve the problem. A doctor will treat the root of the issue. 

2. Pain in the Lower Back & Difficulty Urinating

If your lower back and sides are hurting, and you’re having trouble urinating, you may have a kidney stone. This is when a pebble-like substance forms in the kidney, leading to intense pain, vomiting, chills, and queasiness. In some cases, your urine will have blood in it, causing it to turn red, brown, or pink. A doctor can make the stone pass quickly and with less pain by prescribing a medication that relaxes the ureter. In certain situations, they’ll perform surgery to remove the piece of material from the body. 

3. Sudden Pain in the Lower Right Abdomen

This is a common symptom of appendicitis, a condition where the appendix becomes inflamed. The pain is excruciating and will move from the belly to the lower right abdomen, getting more intense over time. The discomfort will often worsen when coughing, sneezing, breathing deeply, and moving around.

You may also get other symptoms, such as swelling, fever, queasiness, and throwing up. As soon as you notice issues, contact a doctor. Medical attention can help keep the appendix from bursting, preventing an abscess from forming. 

When you need a primary care practice for stomach pain or other abdominal issues, contact Palladium Primary Care. Serving Gilford, Wendell, and Forsythe counties, they’ve been treating North Carolina-based patients since 2008. They provide virtual care, thorough examinations, and resources to help you stay healthy. Visit their website to learn more about their services, or call (336) 841-8500 to set up an appointment.