Abdominal pain is the most common reason patients seek emergency care, yet it remains one of the most complex to diagnose.

Dr. Tracey Antill, a physician at Elitecare Emergency Hospital, explained why this pain can be so challenging to pinpoint and why it’s never something to ignore.

Why is abdominal pain so common?

The sheer size and complexity of the abdominal cavity mean there are countless potential causes of pain.

“Your GI tract is 33 feet long, and your abdomen houses multiple systems all packed into one area,” Dr. Antill said. “When something isn’t right, it just doesn’t feel good. Unlike pain in your hand or face, you can’t pinpoint it to a specific spot. The body’s response is often general discomfort, cramping, nausea or vomiting.”

The abdominal cavity contains:
  • Digestive organs: stomach, intestines, pancreas and liver
  • Reproductive organs: ovaries, uterus and fallopian tubes in women
  • Urinary system: kidneys, bladder and ureters
  • Metabolic and filtration systems: gallbladder and spleen
With so many systems overlapping, pain can feel vague or misleading, making it difficult for both patients and doctors to identify the exact cause.

What are common causes of abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain can arise from a wide spectrum of causes, ranging from minor issues to severe, potentially life-threatening conditions. Understanding the difference between minor discomfort and serious symptoms can help patients decide when to seek emergency care.

Common causes include:
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Food poisoning
  • Kidney stones
  • Constipation
  • Appendicitis
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Ovarian cysts
When is it time to seek emergency care?

Knowing when to head to the emergency room can be tricky, but certain signs should never be ignored. If you experience any of the following, seek emergency care promptly:
  • Abdominal pain lasting more than eight to 12 hours
  • Worsening pain
  • Pain that becomes sharp and localized to one area
  • Fever above 101 F
  • Persistent vomiting or inability to keep food or liquids down
  • Severe discomfort
  • Difficulty eating or drinking for several hours
“Most serious abdominal issues will worsen over time, so early evaluation is key,” Dr. Antill said. “Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it’s always better to get checked out than to wait.”

Abdominal pain can have many causes, and symptoms often overlap, making diagnosis difficult even with testing. Dr. Antill stressed that despite this, getting care promptly is essential.

Why is abdominal pain difficult to treat?

One of the biggest challenges with abdominal pain is that even with modern tests, doctors don’t always find a clear answer. Dr. Antill points out that 30%-40% of patients leave the emergency room without a definitive diagnosis.

“That can be frustrating for patients, but it’s important to understand that ruling out serious, life-threatening conditions is the primary goal,” Dr. Antill said.

At Elitecare Emergency Hospital, the team not only works to rule out these dangerous conditions but also ensures patients don’t leave without guidance.

Why go to Elitecare Emergency Hospital?

Elitecare Emergency Hospital is fully equipped to evaluate abdominal pain with:
  • On-site lab testing
  • Advanced imaging
  • Specialist coordination when follow-up is needed
  • Over 125 years of combined medical experience
“We want to fight for patients and close loops for them,” Dr. Antill explained. “We don’t just say, ‘Go see your doctor.’ We make sure they have a clear plan and know what the next steps are.”



Elitecare Emergency Hospital, located at 2530 I-45, League City, is open 24/7.

To learn more about Elitecare Emergency Hospital difference, visit the website.

The above story was produced by Community Impact's Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel, with information solely provided by the local business as part of its "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.