Urgent Care for Abdominal Pain in Acton, MA

Abdominal pain is a frequent reason patients visit Acton and Canton Urgent Care. This discomfort can stem from a wide range of causes, most commonly related to the organs and structures within the abdomen. Our experienced providers are equipped to assess and manage both mild and severe cases of abdominal pain, ensuring you receive timely and appropriate care.

Common Causes of Abdominal Pain We See Include:

• Gastroenteritis: Infections or inflammation of the stomach and intestines, frequently accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
• Constipation: Infrequent or difficult bowel movements can result in abdominal discomfort.
• Gas and Bloating: Sometimes linked to dietary choices, swallowing air, or digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Food Intolerances: Conditions like lactose intolerance may cause pain when the body has trouble digesting certain foods.
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): Lower abdominal pain, especially in women, may be a sign of a UTI.
• Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea): A common source of pain for women of reproductive age.

Urgent care team is also trained to recognize and quickly address more serious causes of abdominal pain, such as:

• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix requiring prompt evaluation and treatment.
• Gallstones: Blockages in the bile ducts can lead to severe, sudden pain, especially after fatty meals.
• Peptic Ulcers: Sores in the lining of the stomach or small intestine may cause persistent discomfort.
• Kidney Stones: Can cause severe, radiating pain to the lower abdomen or back.
• Hernias: Occur when an internal organ pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall.

Occasionally, abdominal pain may be referred from other areas, such as the chest in cases of heart attacks or lung infections. Because abdominal pain can range from minor to life-threatening, it’s important to consider the duration, location, and associated symptoms.

When to Seek Immediate Care at Acton and Canton Urgent Care:

If your abdominal pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms such as fever, vomiting, jaundice, or blood in the stool, visit Acton and Canton Urgent Care as soon as possible.

When you visit our clinic with abdominal pain, our experienced healthcare providers follow a thorough, patient-centered approach to ensure you receive the best care possible.

Comprehensive Medical History

Your visit begins with a detailed conversation about your symptoms. Our providers will ask about:

• The location, onset, duration, severity, and nature of your pain
• Associated symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fever, or weight changes
• Recent injuries, surgeries, travel, dietary habits, and any underlying health conditions or medications

Focused Physical Examination

Next, we perform a physical exam tailored to your needs. This includes:

• Inspecting your abdomen for signs like swelling, scars, or bruising
• Gently pressing on different areas to check for tenderness, swelling, or abnormal masses
• Assessing for signs of peritoneal irritation and listening to your bowel sounds

Targeted Testing and Imaging

Depending on your symptoms and exam findings, our team may recommend:

• Blood tests to check for infection, inflammation, anemia, or organ function
• Urinalysis to screen for urinary tract infections or kidney issues
• Pregnancy testing, when appropriate
• On-site abdominal ultrasound for rapid evaluation of gallbladder, liver, or pelvic concerns
• Abdominal X-rays for possible bowel obstruction or perforation

For more complex cases, we may refer you for advanced imaging like CT scans or MRIs, or coordinate with specialists for procedures such as endoscopy or colonoscopy.

Abdominal pain is a common complaint and can range from mild discomfort to a sign of a more serious medical condition. At Acton and Canton Urgent Care, we see many patients who experience abdominal pain due to common issues such as indigestion, gas, or mild infections. However, abdominal pain can also signal more serious problems such as appendicitis, gallstones, pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, diverticulitis, or even heart attacks.

It is important to pay attention to the nature, location, duration, and intensity of your pain, as well as any accompanying symptoms. You should seek immediate care at Acton and Canton Urgent Care if you experience:

• Severe or persistent pain
• Pain accompanied by fever or vomiting
• Blood in your stool or vomit
• Difficulty breathing
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Unexplained weight loss

Our experienced medical team can quickly evaluate your symptoms, provide diagnostic testing if needed, and start treatment to help prevent complications.

When you visit Acton and Canton Urgent Care with abdominal pain, our experienced medical team’s first priority is to identify the cause of your discomfort. We understand that abdominal pain can have many different underlying reasons, so our approach is always personalized—tailored to your specific symptoms, medical history, and examination findings.

For mild cases, such as indigestion, gastritis, or viral stomach bugs, our providers may recommend rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to ease pain, nausea, or diarrhea. If constipation is causing your pain, we can suggest or prescribe safe laxatives or stool softeners. For urinary tract infections, our team will typically prescribe antibiotics. If your symptoms are due to acid reflux or gastritis, we may recommend antacids or other acid-reducing medications.

If your abdominal pain is more severe, or if you have symptoms like fever, vomiting, or signs of dehydration, Acton and Canton Urgent Care can provide treatments such as intravenous fluids, anti-nausea medications, or stronger pain relievers. Our facility is equipped to perform basic diagnostic tests, including urine analysis, blood work, or imaging as needed, to help pinpoint the cause of your symptoms.

If your condition appears to be more serious—such as appendicitis, gallstones, or another possible surgical emergency—our urgent care team will stabilize you and coordinate a safe transfer to a local emergency department or hospital for further evaluation and specialized treatment.

At Acton and Canton Urgent Care, Muhammad Bajwa, MD, provides fast and reliable treatment for abdominal pain, ensuring that you receive the care you need as quickly as possible. Whether you’re experiencing mild discomfort or more severe pain, Bajwa will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause and offer the best course of treatment. With his extensive experience, you can trust that your abdominal pain will be managed effectively and promptly.

Muhammad Bajwa, MD, a Board-Certified Internist, uses his expertise to diagnose and treat a wide range of abdominal issues, from common digestive problems to more complex conditions. At Acton and Canton Urgent Care, you’ll receive personalized care tailored to your symptoms, with quick access to treatment and diagnostic testing. Bajwa’s compassionate approach ensures you feel comfortable and well-cared for as he works to relieve your abdominal pain and improve your health. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 100 Powder Mill Rd, Acton, MA 01720. We serve patients from Acton MA, Maynard MA, Stow MA, Concord MA, Sudbury MA, Boxborough MA, and surrounding areas.