Urgent Care vs. The ER: Where to Go For Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a common medical condition that affects many people, and various conditions can cause it. Abdominal pain can be mild or severe and is located in different parts of the abdomen. Some of the most common causes of abdominal pain include indigestion, gas, constipation, and stomach viruses. However, abdominal pain can also be a symptom of more severe conditions such as appendicitis, gallstones, or a hernia.

Abdominal pain treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pain. Sometimes, simple home remedies such as over-the-counter pain medications, rest, and a change in diet can provide relief. However, you must seek medical attention immediately if the pain is severe or accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. There are two options when seeking medical attention for abdominal pain: urgent care or the emergency room. Few people know how they work, so we will discuss the details in this article.

What Is Urgent Care?

Urgent care is a medical facility that provides immediate medical attention to patients who have non-life-threatening medical conditions. Urgent care centers are often open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and they are staffed by medical professionals trained to provide immediate care for various medical conditions. Urgent care centers have diagnostic equipment such as X-ray machines and laboratory facilities to give patients quick test results.

Patients can expect immediate treatment for their abdominal pain at an urgent care center. Treatment options at an urgent care center may include pain medication, anti-nausea medication, and intravenous (IV) fluids. Urgent care centers can also order diagnostic tests such as blood tests, X-rays, or CT scans to help diagnose the underlying cause of abdominal pain.

What Services Can an Emergency Room Provide?

Emergency rooms are facilities equipped to provide immediate medical attention to patients with life-threatening medical conditions. Emergency rooms are staffed by medical professionals specially trained to handle medical emergencies. Emergency rooms have advanced diagnostic equipment such as MRI, CT scanners, and ultrasound machines to help diagnose and treat medical conditions.

Patients can expect immediate medical attention for abdominal pain in an emergency room. Treatment options at an emergency room may include the ones given by urgent care, but they can also perform more invasive procedures such as surgery, endoscopy, and blood transfusions if necessary. Emergency rooms also have access to specialists such as gastroenterologists, surgeons, and radiologists who can provide more specialized care for complex cases of abdominal pain.

Is There a Difference?

There are differences between urgent care and emergency rooms when treating abdominal pain. Urgent care centers are typically less expensive than emergency rooms, and they are often more convenient for patients who need immediate medical attention but do not have life-threatening medical conditions. In addition, urgent care centers often provide faster medical attention than emergency rooms.

However, emergency rooms are equipped to handle more serious medical conditions than urgent care centers. If a patient has a life-threatening medical condition, such as a ruptured appendix or a perforated bowel, an emergency room is the best place to receive medical attention. In addition, emergency rooms are staffed by medical professionals specially trained to handle medical emergencies, which may not be the case at an urgent care center.

Signs You Have Severe Abdominal Pain

You must seek medical attention immediately if you have severe abdominal pain or if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Some of the signs that you may have severe abdominal pain include:

• Severe pain that does not go away with over-the-counter pain medication
• Pain that is located in the lower right side of the abdomen
• Severe nausea or vomiting
• High fever
• Blood in the stool
• Difficulty breathing

These symptoms are sometimes indicators of more serious medical conditions, so seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of them.

So, Where Should You Go?

If you have mild to moderate abdominal pain and no other symptoms, an urgent care center may be the best place to receive medical attention. At an urgent care center, you can receive immediate medical attention and diagnostic tests to help diagnose the underlying cause of your abdominal pain.

However, you must seek medical attention at an emergency room if you have severe abdominal pain or are accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. Emergency rooms are equipped to handle more serious medical conditions and are staffed by medical professionals specially trained to handle medical emergencies.

Conclusion

Abdominal pain can be a symptom of various medical conditions, some of which can be life-threatening. For this reason, going to an urgent care or emergency room is recommended for immediate treatment. Regardless of your choice, seeking medical attention as soon as possible to receive appropriate care and diagnosis is all that matters.

Urgent Care Management provides top-quality services for urgent care in Southgate. Your health is a top priority, so we will ensure you get the best urgent treatment for immediate relief. Call us today at (734) 324-7800 to schedule a visit!