Q Are there situations with abdominal pain where I must go to the emergency room?
A Sudden severe abdominal pain, rebound tenderness, blood in stool, jaundice, or fever above 38°C must be evaluated at an emergency room immediately. These may indicate appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or peritonitis requiring emergency surgery.
Detailed Answer
If any of the following red flags are present, visit an emergency room or surgical department rather than a Korean medicine clinic: ① Sudden severe abdominal pain that progressively worsens ② Rebound tenderness (pain more severe when releasing pressure) ③ Blood in stool or black stools ④ Jaundice (yellowing of eye whites or skin) ⑤ Fever above 38°C with abdominal pain ⑥ Rigid abdomen (abdomen becoming as hard as a board). These may signal appendicitis, bowel obstruction, peritonitis, or cholecystitis requiring immediate surgical intervention.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Korean medicine is helpful for recurrent chronic, functional, or stress-related abdominal pain that is not an emergency. It is safer and more effective to rule out emergency causes first before visiting our clinic.
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