TRUSTED CARE

Abdominal Pain
When to go to the ER

Most stomach pain isn’t dangerous — but the dangerous stuff can start out feeling “off” before it gets worse.If your pain feels severe, unusual, or you’re genuinely worried, don’t wait it out.

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Go to the ER right away if abdominal pain is:

Go now if pain comes with:

Higher-risk situations where you should not “wait and see”:

  • Pregnant or might be pregnant

  • Recent abdominal surgery or procedure

  • Age 45+ with new upper abdominal pain, especially with nausea, sweating, or chest symptoms

Kids get stomach aches all the time — but some patterns are a hard “get checked now.” If your child looks unwell and the pain is intense, trust that.

Bring your child to the ER now if they have abdominal pain plus:

  • Severe pain or pain that keeps getting worse

  • Inconsolable crying or they can’t be comforted

  • A very tender belly, hard/distended belly, or pain spreading to the back

  • Repeated vomiting, can’t keep liquids down, or dehydration signs

  • Blood in vomit or stool (or black/tarry stools)

  • High fever or they’re getting weak/quiet and “not themselves”

  • Fainting, seizure, extreme sleepiness, or difficulty waking

Why abdominal pain can be serious

Abdominal pain is common — but certain causes need fast diagnosis and treatment. The ER is the right place when symptoms suggest internal bleeding, severe infection, bowel blockage, appendicitis, gallbladder disease, kidney stones, pancreatitis, or pregnancy-related emergencies.

“ER or urgent care?”

Choose the ER in Angleton when pain is severe/sudden, worsening, or paired with red flags (fever with worsening pain, bleeding, fainting, dehydration, chest symptoms, pregnancy concerns, or post-surgery pain).

Consider urgent care/primary care only when pain is mild, improving, and there are no red flags — and you can drink fluids and function normally. If you’re unsure, it’s appropriate to choose ER care.

What Angleton ER can do for abdominal pain

When you walk into Angleton ER (Brazoria County), we can evaluate abdominal pain quickly with tools that urgent care often can’t provide on-site:

  • On-site imaging: CT, X-ray, and ultrasound (as appropriate for your symptoms)

  • IV fluids + IV medications for dehydration, nausea/vomiting, and pain control

  • Cardiac evaluation when upper abdominal pain could be heart-related

  • Trauma evaluation if pain follows an accident or injury

  • Pediatric + adult emergency care in an ER-licensed facility — no appointment needed

What to expect when you arrive

You’ll be triaged first (so the sickest patients are seen fastest). Then we’ll focus on the basics that clarify what’s going on:

  • Symptom timeline + focused exam

  • Vitals (including fever, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen)

  • Labs and/or imaging if needed

  • Treatment started early (often IV fluids and symptom relief while testing is underway)

When to call 911 instead of driving

Call 911 right away if abdominal pain is paired with trouble breathing, chest pressure, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, or signs of shock (cold/clammy skin, extreme dizziness).