Abdominal pain can be difficult to understand, especially when it isn’t constant. You may feel perfectly fine for hours before suddenly experiencing cramping, pressure, or sharp pain that eventually fades away. Then, just when you think it’s gone, it returns. Abdominal pain that comes and goes can have many possible causes. Some are relatively minor, such as gas or constipation, while others may require medical evaluation. The location of the pain, how long it lasts, what triggers it, and whether you have other symptoms can all provide important clues. Understanding some of the most common causes of intermittent abdominal pain can help you determine whether you can monitor your symptoms at home or visit an urgent care center.
For a same-day evaluation, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands. Our medical team can examine your symptoms, diagnose your condition, and plan the best treatment possible. Walk-in or plan your visit in advance below.
Common Causes of Abdominal Pain That Comes and Goes
Intermittent abdominal pain doesn’t necessarily mean something serious is happening. Digestive issues are among the most common causes, and symptoms may fluctuate as your digestive system processes food and waste.
Gas and Bloating
Gas can cause pressure, cramping, or sharp pains that come and go. The discomfort may move around your abdomen and sometimes improves after passing gas or having a bowel movement. Certain foods and beverages can increase gas, including beans, carbonated drinks, and some high-fiber foods. Eating quickly or swallowing air can also contribute.
Constipation
Constipation can cause abdominal discomfort that comes and goes, particularly as stool moves through the intestines. You may also experience bloating, straining, hard stools, or fewer bowel movements than normal. Increasing fluids, gradually adding fiber, and staying active may help mild constipation. However, persistent or severe abdominal pain associated with constipation should be evaluated.
Indigestion
Indigestion can cause upper abdominal discomfort, fullness, bloating, nausea, or burning after eating. Symptoms may come and go depending on what and how much you’ve eaten. Large spicy meals, spicy or fatty foods, alcohol, and certain medications can contribute to indigestion.
Viral Gastroenteritis
A stomach virus can cause cramping abdominal pain along with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes fever. The cramping may come in waves as the intestines contract. Most cases improve with rest and hydration, but severe vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
What Can You Do for Mild Abdominal Pain at Home?
If your abdominal pain is mild and you don’t have concerning symptoms, you may be able to monitor it at home. Depending on the possible cause, helpful measures may include:
● Drinking plenty of fluids
● Eating smaller, lighter meals
● Avoiding foods that seem to trigger your symptoms
● Getting gentle physical activity
● Addressing constipation
● Resting
Pay attention to patterns. Keep track of when the pain occurs, where you feel it, how long it lasts, what you ate beforehand, and whether you experience other symptoms. This information can be helpful if you eventually need to see a healthcare provider.
When Should You Visit an Urgent Care Center?
It’s not always possible to determine the cause of abdominal pain at home. If your symptoms are persistent, recurring frequently, or interfering with your normal activities, consider getting evaluated. Visit an urgent care center if you experience abdominal pain along with:
● Persistent nausea or vomiting
● Diarrhea that doesn’t improve
● Fever
● Painful or frequent urination
● Blood in your urine or stool
● Significant bloating
● Persistent constipation
● Abdominal pain with no explanation
An urgent care provider can review your symptoms, perform a physical examination, and determine whether testing is appropriate. Depending on your symptoms, testing may include urine testing or other diagnostic evaluations.
Don’t Ignore Your Abdominal Pain – Visit AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands Today
Abdominal pain that comes and goes can have many explanations, from gas and constipation to other conditions requiring medical treatment. While occasional mild discomfort may resolve on its own, recurring or worsening pain should not be ignored. Pay attention to your symptoms and look for patterns. If you’re experiencing abdominal pain that keeps coming back and you’re concerned about the cause, visit us at AFC Urgent Care Denver Highlands. We can evaluate your symptoms, perform appropriate testing when needed, and help determine the next steps for treatment and relief. No appointments are required, just walk-in any day of the week! Our center accepts most health insurance plans and offers cost-effective options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about our services, please contact our medical team directly at (303) 477-6000.