Stomach pain is one of the most common symptoms that we experience. Whether it’s due to suspect food, a wild roller-coaster ride or feeling anxious, our stomachs feel queasy from time to time. Sometimes, though, stomach pain is cause for a bit more concern and can be a sign that something more serious is going on.

Learn more about stomach pain and what it could mean from our AFC Urgent Care TN team!

What Causes Stomach Pain?

Like we said before, stomach pain can be caused by many things. In most cases, though, stomach pain is considered acute, which means that it happens quickly and goes away quickly, too. Chronic stomach pain can last on and off for a number of months, and it can be a sign that something more is wrong with your body.

If you are experiencing some of the symptoms that we’ve listed below, you are likely dealing with a GI disorder or disease. GI diseases aren’t always a cause for serious concern, but they are cause for learning more about your digestive system and getting an accurate diagnosis from a gastroenterologist.

Common GI Disease Symptoms

• Abdominal discomfort (bloating, pain or cramps)
• Unintentional weight loss
• Vomiting and nausea
• Acid reflux (heartburn)
• Diarrhea, constipation (or sometimes both)
• Fecal incontinence
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty swallowing

How Can I Treat Stomach Pain?

Effective treatment really depends on what is causing you pain, but there are several things you can do at home that will help, and we’ve listed them in the section below.

If you start to experience intense stomach pain that lasts for several hours or doesn’t go away for at least 24 hours, don’t hesitate to visit one of our AFC TN centers. Even if you need the care and diagnosis from a gastroenterologist, we can provide treatment and point you in the right direction.

Ways to Ease Stomach Pain

• Drink plenty of water and other clear fluids.
• Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol, as these can make the pain worse.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Try over-the-counter antacids, which can reduce some types of stomach pain.

Our AFC Urgent Care TN team is eager to provide the non-emergency care that you need to feel better! Don’t hesitate to visit one of our locations today.