Quick answer: Go to the ER for belly pain that is severe, steadily getting worse, or moves to the lower right side, especially with fever, vomiting, or pain when you walk, cough or press on it. These can be signs of appendicitis. Also go to the ER for pain with vomiting blood, black stools, a rigid belly, pregnancy or chest pain. Urgent care can evaluate milder pain from stomach bugs, constipation, gas, reflux or a possible UTI.

Abdominal pain has dozens of causes. Most are minor, but a few need surgery fast.

New to PACS? Start with our complete guide to urgent care in Alexandria, VA.

Classic signs of appendicitis

  • Pain that starts around the belly button and moves to the lower right
  • Pain that gets worse over hours and with movement, coughing or bumps in the car
  • Loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting
  • Low-grade fever

Children, older adults and pregnant women may not have typical symptoms.

Go to the ER for

  • Severe or worsening pain, or pain that makes you unable to stay still
  • A hard, rigid belly that’s painful to touch
  • Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • Black, tarry or bloody stools
  • Belly pain during pregnancy
  • Pain with chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting
  • Pain after an injury to the belly

When urgent care can help

  • Cramping with diarrhea or vomiting. See food poisoning vs. stomach flu.
  • Pain with burning urination, a possible UTI
  • Heartburn or reflux
  • Constipation or gas pain
  • Mild pain that isn’t getting worse

PACS offers walk-in abdominal pain treatment with on-site lab testing. If anything suggests appendicitis or another emergency, we’ll direct you to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Can urgent care diagnose appendicitis?

Urgent care can recognize the warning signs, but confirming appendicitis usually requires a CT scan or ultrasound at a hospital.

Should I take pain medicine before going in?

Avoid strong pain medicine and laxatives until you’re evaluated, and don’t eat or drink if you might need surgery.

Get care today at PACS Urgent Care

PACS Urgent Care – Alexandria
3481 N Beauregard St, Alexandria, VA 22302
Open 7 days a week, 8 AM – 8 PM · Walk-ins welcome
Call (571) 656-8838 · Get directions · New patient guide

This article is for general information and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911.