Upper Abdominal Pain Treatment in El Paso, TX and Horizon City, TX

Upper abdominal pain can have many different causes—some are minor and resolve quickly, while others may be more serious and require medical evaluation. It’s important to pay attention to the severity, frequency, and any additional symptoms that occur alongside the discomfort. You should seek medical care if your upper abdominal pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by concerning signs, such as:

• Fever or chills
• Ongoing vomiting, especially if blood is present or the vomit looks like coffee grounds
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty breathing or chest discomfort
• Pain that suddenly becomes very intense or radiates to the back, shoulder, or chest
• Black or tarry stools, or signs of internal bleeding
• Inability to eat or drink with signs of dehydration

While mild abdominal pain may improve on its own, more serious or worsening symptoms should not be ignored. Prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider helps ensure that the cause is identified and treated appropriately, reducing the risk of complications. Even if your symptoms seem mild, if your pain lasts more than a few days or affects your daily activities, our experienced providers at UCare Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinic are here to help. Walk in for a thorough evaluation—no appointment necessary.

Upper abdominal pain can vary widely depending on its cause, and the type of discomfort often provides important clues for diagnosis. Because this region contains the stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and part of the intestines, pain in the area may present in different forms. Recognizing the type of pain you are experiencing can help guide a timely medical evaluation.

• Sharp or stabbing pain: This sudden and intense pain may be associated with gallstones, stomach ulcers, or acute pancreatitis.

• Burning sensation: A common type of pain linked to acid reflux, gastritis, or irritation of the stomach lining.

• Cramping pain: Often related to digestive issues such as indigestion, gas, or irritable bowel syndrome, and may come and go in waves.

• Dull, aching pain: A persistent discomfort that could signal liver conditions, chronic gastritis, or ongoing inflammation in the upper abdomen.

• Localized pain: Pain felt in a specific spot, such as the right upper side (gallbladder or liver) or the left upper side (pancreas or spleen).

• Radiating pain: Discomfort that spreads to the back, chest, or shoulder, which may suggest pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or even cardiac issues.

• Intermittent pain: Pain that comes and goes, often related to meals, digestive triggers, or mild inflammation.

• Constant pain: Continuous discomfort that may signal more serious or long-term problems that need medical attention.

Because abdominal pain can stem from many sources, it’s important not to ignore changes in severity, frequency, or accompanying symptoms. Seeking timely care at an urgent care or medical clinic ensures you receive proper evaluation and peace of mind. At UCare Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinic, our experienced medical team is equipped to assess and treat a variety of conditions that cause upper abdominal pain, helping you find relief and peace of mind quickly.

Upper abdominal pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, and the most common sources often involve the digestive system. Issues such as indigestion, acid reflux, gastritis, and stomach ulcers are frequently responsible. Gallbladder problems, like gallstones or inflammation (cholecystitis), are also a leading cause of discomfort in the upper right abdomen. Pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas, may cause pain in the upper middle or left side that can radiate to the back. In some cases, liver conditions, such as hepatitis or fatty liver disease, may also contribute to pain in the upper abdominal region.

Other non-digestive causes can include muscle strain, especially if the pain worsens with movement, or even cardiac issues such as angina or a heart attack, which sometimes present as upper abdominal pain rather than chest pain. Because the area houses multiple vital organs, the exact cause can be difficult to determine without proper evaluation.

That’s why seeking medical care is important if the pain is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like nausea, fever, or shortness of breath. A healthcare provider can perform an examination, order diagnostic tests, and help identify the underlying reason for the pain. At UCare Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinic, our experienced healthcare providers can perform a thorough evaluation, including physical exams, lab tests, and imaging if needed, to quickly identify the cause of your pain and start the appropriate treatment.

At UCare Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinic, we want to help you know when it’s important to seek prompt medical attention for this symptom. Upper abdominal pain can sometimes be managed at urgent care, but there are situations where the emergency room is the safest option. Recognizing the difference helps ensure you get the right level of care quickly.

• Sudden, severe pain: If the pain starts abruptly and feels intense or unbearable, it may indicate a serious condition requiring immediate attention.

• Chest pain or pressure: Pain that spreads to the arm, jaw, or back could suggest a heart attack or other cardiac emergency.

• Difficulty breathing or fainting: Shortness of breath, dizziness, or loss of consciousness with abdominal pain should never be ignored.

• Persistent vomiting: Ongoing vomiting, particularly if it contains blood or looks like coffee grounds, may signal internal bleeding or another urgent problem.

• High fever with chills: Fever combined with upper abdominal pain can point to infection or inflammation that needs emergency treatment.

• Rigid or swollen abdomen: A stomach that feels hard, bloated, or extremely tender to the touch may indicate bleeding, obstruction, or perforation.

• Pain after trauma: Severe abdominal pain following an accident, fall, or injury should always be evaluated in the ER.

If your pain is severe or paired with these warning signs, it’s best to go to the ER right away. For milder, non-emergency abdominal pain, UCare Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinic in El Paso and Horizon City can provide timely evaluation and treatment. Your health and safety are our top priorities—don’t wait to get the care you need. For more information, please contact us today or book an appointment online now. We are a walk-in clinic located at Horizon City TX, on North Zaragoza Rd. in El Paso TX, and on Lee Trevino Dr. in El Paso TX. We serve patients from El Paso TX, Horizon City TX, Lee Travino Drive TX, Fort Bliss, TX, Mission Valley TX, Resler Canyon TX, Alfalfa TX, Montwood TX, and BEYOND!