Whether it’s a dull ache, a sharp cramp, or an unsettling twist, stomach pain has a way of stopping us in our tracks, and it’s one of the top reasons patients visit our urgent care clinics. While most stomach pain is minor and nothing to worry about, it’s important to be informed about possible causes of stomach pain so that you’re aware when something more serious may be responsible for your discomfort. 

Minor Causes of Stomach Pain

Most minor stomach pain will resolve on its own, but knowing the potential cause of your minor stomach ache can help you effectively address your symptoms.

Causes of minor stomach pain include:

• Indigestion, which describes a feeling of pain and fullness soon after eating. You may experience bloating, gas, nausea, or a burning sensation in your stomach. Over-the-counter medications such as antacids (Tums, Gaviscon) or H2 blockers (Pepcid AC, Tagamet HB) are good solutions for quick relief.
• Excess gas, which happens when gas becomes trapped in the stomach or intestines, causing pain and bloating. Cutting back on high-fibre foods and dairy can help minor gas pain, but if your pain is severe or recurring, you should seek medical attention.
• Food poisoning, which can happen when you ingest food containing certain types of bacteria. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. For minor food poisoning, bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) may help relieve symptoms. Severe food poisoning should be assessed at urgent care.

Conditions Associated with Stomach Pain

Stomach aches can sometimes be a sign of more serious conditions that require urgent treatment. In these cases, stomach pain is usually accompanied by other symptoms. If you believe you may be suffering from any of the following conditions, you should visit one of our urgent care clinics as soon as possible for prompt assessment and treatment.

Acute Conditions

Acute causes of stomach pain are some of the most common, and the symptoms develop quickly over hours or days. Acute conditions can range in severity from mild illnesses to medical emergencies requiring immediate, life-saving care.

Common acute conditions linked to stomach pain include, but aren’t limited to:

• • Appendicitis, when the appendix becomes inflamed and requires removal.
  • Viral gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu.
  • Kidney stones, when buildup of minerals and salt hardens inside the kidney.

• Urinary tract infection, caused by bacteria building up in the urethra.
• Pancreatitis, an acute inflammation of the pancreas.
• Intestinal blockage, where something stops liquid or food from moving through the intestines.
• Ectopic pregnancy, where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. 
• Heart attack, when blood is severely reduced or blocked from reaching the heart.

Chronic Conditions

A chronic condition is an illness that happens over a longer period of time, such as months or years. Stomach pain, along with other symptoms, may come and go intermittently, or they may happen in episodes. Chronic or recurring stomach pain is always a reason to visit your primary care physician or urgent care.

Common chronic conditions linked to stomach pain include, but aren’t limited to:

• Celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten causes damage to the small intestine.
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a chronic inflammation of the stomach and intestines.
• Endometriosis, a condition which causes tissue of the uterine lining to grow outside the uterus.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic form of acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus and causes heartburn.
• Peptic ulcer disease, where stomach acid eats through the lining of the stomach or small intestine, creating an open sore. Contrary to popular belief, spicy food does not cause ulcers, but it may make the symptoms of an existing ulcer worse.

Progressive Conditions

Progressive conditions are diseases that grow worse over time, especially without treatment. They also tend to be more serious diagnoses. Although stomach pain may be associated with these conditions, keep in mind that other symptoms are typically present, and that you shouldn’t jump to conclusions about your condition based on this information. If you’re concerned that your stomach pain may be a sign of a progressive disease, you should always consult your doctor or visit one of our clinics for immediate assessment and care.

Progressive conditions associated with stomach pain may include, but aren’t limited to:

• Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes painful swelling of the digestive tract.
• Cancer of the stomach, liver, kidneys, gallbladder, or pancreas.
• Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver typically caused by a virus, but may also be caused by exposure to toxins like alcohol, drugs, or hazardous chemicals.
• Lead poisoning, caused by lead building up in the body, usually over months or years.
• Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes.

When to Visit Urgent Care

Because stomach pain is often mild and resolves on its own, it can be difficult to know when your stomach pain warrants a visit to your urgent care center. However, keep in mind that severe stomach pain is always a reason to visit urgent care.

You should also pay attention to other possible symptoms that may accompany your pain, such as:

• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling or bloating of the abdomen.
• Severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen.
• Bloody stools
• Unexplained weight loss
• Discolored skin

Any of these symptoms point to a larger problem that requires immediate medical attention. However, if your pain is the result of trauma (such as an accident or injury), or if it’s accompanied by chest pressure or pain, you should immediately call 911 or be taken to your nearest emergency room.

Visit Lincoln Urgent Care for Quick Access to Care

Whether your stomach pain stems from an acute illness or a chronic condition, the experienced team of medical professionals at Lincoln Urgent Care can help. We provide prompt, compassionate assessment and treatment, including onsite diagnostics and follow-up support, with no appointment necessary. We’re proud to offer high quality care without the long wait times or high costs of emergency room visits. Walk into one of our clinics at Lincoln, Granite Bay, or Roseville, or call us to learn more about how we can support your health!

Lincoln Urgent Care (916) 258-2751

Granite Bay Urgent Care (916) 570-7265

Lincoln Urgent Care Roseville (916) 727-6846