When Should You Go To The Hospital For Abdominal Pain?

You've probably experienced abdominal pain at one time or another. Most of the time, it is not anything to worry about and generally caused by gas, constipation, or indigestion, according to the Cleveland Clinic. That being said, abdominal pain can be the result of a more serious condition that requires medical attention. This makes it hard to know when to seek medical care.  

When you have food poisoning, for example, you may not know if you should go to the hospital. Common symptoms include a stomachache, cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that if you have bloody diarrhea, persistent diarrhea for more than three days, a temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or more, an inability to keep food and liquids down, and symptoms of dehydration (dry mouth, lightheadedness, and very little urination), you should see a physician as soon as possible.

You should call 911 if you have severe abdominal pain and you recently experienced an injury, or if you have any pain in your chest along with abdomen pain. If the pain is accompanied by bloody stools, you have been nauseous, you have been vomiting for several days or weeks, or you are losing weight without trying, you should speak with a doctor. In addition, if your abdomen is tender to the touch, your skin is yellow, or your abdomen is swollen, you should also seek immediate care, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Pain in the lower right abdomen could be appendicitis, which requires immediate medical attention. WebMD points out that appendicitis pain might begin around your belly button and be dull, but it will eventually become sharp as it moves to the right side. Other symptoms of appendicitis include fever, abdominal swelling, nausea, vomiting, and a loss of appetite.