Abdominal Pain and Nausea: When to Seek Emergency Care

Experiencing abdominal pain and bloating, followed by vomiting everything that was eaten?

Could an online doctor please help me? Whenever I eat too much, I experience pain in my upper right abdomen and soreness in my right back, which lasts for 2 to 3 hours before gradually subsiding.
Last Friday, I started feeling pain again (even though I didn't eat a large meal, just a normal portion), but this time the pain was near my chest, close to my heart, and my entire back felt sore.
I went to see a doctor and received medication, but it didn't help.
Since last Saturday, I've been vomiting everything I eat because I constantly feel bloated, as if food is stuck in my throat.
From Saturday to Sunday, my urine was dark yellow, and my stools were soft and grayish-white.
I later discovered that drinking cola alleviated the pain, so I've been drinking it frequently.
However, now I feel nauseous no matter what I eat, and my stomach remains bloated; I even feel like vomiting when I don't eat anything.
From Monday to Wednesday, my urine was still dark yellow, and my stools were soft and yellow-brown.
I went to see a doctor, but they said I need to undergo an endoscopy to determine the cause (I have the procedure scheduled for this afternoon, Wednesday, and I have to wait until Friday for the results).
The doctor prescribed me medication, but it hasn't helped, and I haven't been able to eat for three days.
Should I go directly to the emergency room? My colleague said that going to the emergency room would mean I wouldn't have to wait as long.
I'm worried that if I continue not eating, I might become weak.

sanny, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/03/12

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Dear Ms.
Sanny,
It is recommended that you cooperate with your physician to undergo necessary examinations and treatments, and consider whether your liver function and menstrual cycle are normal.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.

Sincerely,
Chen Shidian

Reply Date: 2008/03/12

More Info

When dealing with abdominal pain and nausea, especially in the context of your symptoms, it is crucial to understand when to seek emergency care. Your situation, characterized by persistent pain, nausea, vomiting, and changes in urine and stool color, raises several red flags that warrant immediate medical attention.

Firstly, the pain you describe in the upper right abdomen, which radiates to your back, could indicate issues related to the gallbladder, liver, or even pancreatitis. The fact that you experience this pain after eating, particularly after consuming a large meal, suggests a possible gallbladder problem, such as gallstones or cholecystitis. The accompanying back pain can often be referred pain from abdominal organs.
The sudden onset of nausea and vomiting, especially if you are unable to keep food down, is concerning. This could indicate a blockage in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly. The deep yellow urine and pale, grayish stools are particularly alarming. Dark urine can suggest dehydration or liver issues, while pale stools may indicate a lack of bile, which could be due to a blockage in the bile duct or liver dysfunction.

Given that you have been unable to eat for three days and are experiencing significant discomfort, it is advisable to seek emergency care rather than waiting for your scheduled endoscopy. Emergency departments are equipped to handle acute conditions and can perform necessary imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to quickly diagnose the underlying cause of your symptoms.

In the emergency setting, healthcare providers will assess your vital signs, perform a physical examination, and may order blood tests to check for signs of infection, liver function, and electrolyte imbalances. They may also provide intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, especially since you have been unable to keep food down.

It is essential to communicate all your symptoms clearly to the medical staff, including the duration and nature of your pain, the changes in your urine and stool, and any other symptoms you may have experienced. This information will help them make a more accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.

In summary, given your symptoms of persistent abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and changes in urine and stool color, you should seek emergency medical care immediately. Delaying treatment could lead to serious complications, especially if there is an underlying condition that requires urgent intervention. Your health and safety should always be the priority, and it is better to err on the side of caution when it comes to abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms.

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