When to Seek Help for Stomach Pain This Summer

The high temperatures, lack of fluids, irregular food habits during travel and consumption of street food can lead to a variety of abdominal discomforts. Although some of these symptoms are relatively benign on their own, a few could be an indication of a larger issue. When it comes to stomach problems, knowing when to see a doctor can be the difference between feeling terrible this holiday season, and feeling good.

Common Summer Triggers for Stomach Pain

With summer there is a change in the schedule, and one spends more time outdoors and stores more in cold containers, not counting the unhygienic food that one would consume during a road trip or a visit to the beach. These habits can lead to food poisoning, indigestion or worse in the form of heat-related gastrointestinal distress. The symptoms can vary from a little mild cramping and some bloating to being severely ill with stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Often, people turn to home remedies or over-the-counter treatments to ease the agony. Although this may relieve mild indigestion, symptoms that are more severe or that come on frequently should not be ignored. It’s important to be able to identify symptoms early, and to seek medical attention for stomach issue before they become something more serious.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Here are some clear signs that indicate it’s time to seek medical help for stomach issues:

• Persistent pain that doesn’t subside with rest or medication
• High fever along with stomach discomfort
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Unexplained weight loss
• Severe dehydration from diarrhea or vomiting
• Pain after eating or drinking anything, even water

These could indicate underlying issues like appendicitis, ulcers, gastrointestinal infections or even gallbladder or liver problems. Failing to take them seriously could delay early treatment you need and even further complicate things for you.

Stomach Issues in Children and the Elderly

During summer, the children and elderly are more prone to dehydration and stomach problems due to infection. When her appetite and behavior come up for prayer requests, it's particularly important to watch Ainsley’s appetite and behavior, as well as her hydration. If a child has sharp stomach pain, or if an elderly person has persistent vomiting or feels constantly weak, it’s important to promptly have your stomach issues checked by a doctor.

Don’t Self-Diagnose – Act Early

Abdominal pain is generally misunderstood as something small. They grit their teeth, buy some over-the-counter stuff, or turn to questionable online sources. Though not every stomachache is a red flag, ignoring them when they require a reaction could put your health in danger. Intervention now can avoid complications and give you peace of mind. It’s always safer to seek medical help for stomach issues if something seems wrong — especially in summer, when there’s an uptick in food-transmitted illnesses.

Worried About Stomach Pain? GEM Hospital is Here to Help

If you or your loved ones are facing persistent abdominal pain, don’t wait. GEM Hospital presents state of the art diagnostic and therapeutic facilities for any gastro-intestinal ailment. We can manage everything from simple gut infections all the way to complicated surgical problems and our team of experts are ready to help.

Don’t ignore your symptoms. If you have stomach problems, see a doctor at the right time.

Schedule consultation at GEM Hospital today for expert digestive care.