GI Urgent Care Q&A

Our practice caters to a range of GI conditions, from the esophagus to the rectum, all along the alimentary canal. We understand that disorders within these organs can cause discomfort and may lead to serious health issues if not promptly addressed. Therefore, we aim to provide immediate treatment for acute gastrointestinal problems while also offering preventative care and education to help manage these conditions over time.

We have highly trained healthcare professionals who specialize in this field and can provide immediate relief to patients with GI problems. We offer treatment for conditions such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, GI bleeding, and many more.

We recommend seeking immediate medical attention when you experience persistent or severe GI symptoms that are not considered life-threatening but require urgent care. These include severe abdominal pain that doesn’t resolve with home remedies, persistent diarrhea or constipation that affects daily activities, bloody stool, prolonged nausea or vomiting, and chest pain or shortness of breath associated with GI discomfort.

Choosing to seek care can provide several benefits, such as reducing discomfort and improving the quality of life, preventing complications from untreated GI conditions, detecting underlying medical issues early on, and avoiding unnecessary invasive procedures or hospitalization.

Abdominal pain is a common symptom, ranging from mild to severe, and can occur anywhere in the stomach. Often accompanied by bloating or a feeling of fullness, it can be a sign of an underlying gastrointestinal disorder.

It is important to pay close attention to changes in bowel habits. This includes symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, or changes in stool frequency. Particularly, the presence of blood in the stool, a form of gastrointestinal bleeding, requires immediate attention as it could indicate serious conditions like colorectal cancer.

Furthermore, unexpected weight loss could be a sign of decreased appetite or malabsorption due to conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Persistent Heartburn and Acid Reflux are conditions we treat to prevent serious complications like Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer.

Cases of Nausea and Vomiting, which, along with Gastroparesis, could indicate a problem in your digestive system.

If you observe yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, it could indicate jaundice, often linked to liver disease or a bile duct obstruction.

Remember, these symptoms could be related to conditions beyond the digestive system, so it’s important to seek medical advice for a precise diagnosis and proper treatment.

If you have ongoing abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, or persistent heartburn, it would be wise to seek medical attention. These symptoms could indicate an underlying condition that can be diagnosed and treated.

If you notice any of the following GI symptoms, it’s important to seek immediate medical care:

• Intense abdominal pain that doesn’t improve or gets worse
• Bloody or black stools
• Vomiting blood or coffee-ground-like material
• Inability to pass bowel movements or gas for more than three days
• Fever and chills
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes, known as jaundice
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Unexplained weight loss or malnutrition

These severe symptoms could indicate conditions like gastrointestinal bleeding, which could be life-threatening if not treated promptly. If you have a pre-existing GI condition such as inflammatory bowel disease or gastroesophageal reflux disease and notice a worsening of your symptoms, it’s vital to seek medical attention.

Seek medical help promptly if your symptoms disrupt your daily life, hinder activities, or cause distress. If you’re uncertain about the need for attention, consult our healthcare team. We’ll assess, test, and provide the right treatment or referrals. Early medical advice is always the best approach.

Upon arrival, you’ll complete the registration by providing your medical history, current symptoms, and any known allergies. A healthcare professional will then review your information and perform a physical exam, which may include checking your abdomen, listening to bowel sounds, or conducting a rectal exam if needed.

Based on your symptoms and initial assessment, the provider may order diagnostic tests, including blood or stool tests to detect infections, inflammation, or abnormalities. Imaging studies may be done to visualize internal organs, and in some cases, specialized tests might be needed.

After determining the cause of your symptoms, the healthcare provider will discuss the findings and suggest a treatment plan. This may include prescribing medications, recommending dietary or lifestyle changes, or referring you to a specialist if needed. Common GI concerns treated include diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and rectal bleeding.

Before you leave, the provider will give you instructions for home care and follow-up. A follow-up appointment may be needed to track your progress and adjust the treatment plan if necessary.

At our practice, the first step in treatment is accurate diagnosis, conducted through various tests such as blood work, stool analysis, and imaging within our state-of-the-art facility. Recognizing the importance of dietary and lifestyle modifications in managing GI disorders, our professionals guide diets and lifestyle changes that can help alleviate symptoms and enhance digestive function. We understand the role of psychological factors in GI symptoms and can provide referrals for interventions to manage stress and improve quality of life.

Our approach is collaborative, working closely with patients to manage their GI disorders. Monitoring symptoms, adjusting treatments, and providing ongoing support are crucial aspects of regular follow-up appointments. We emphasize open communication, encouraging patients to take an active role in their care for more successful outcomes. Visit us today for compassionate and professional treatment. We serve patients from Ellington CT, Unionville CT, East Haven CT, Cromwell CT, Oxford CT, Newington CT, East Windsor CT, Somers CT, Burlington CT, Canton CT, Branford CT, New Haven CT, Middletown CT, Rocky Hill CT Seymour CT, Middlebury CT, Hartford CT, Addison CT, and BEYOND!