Stomach Pain, or Abdominal Pain, can have a variety of causes ranging from mild to severe. Common causes include digestive issues such as indigestion, gas, and bloating, which are often linked to overeating, eating too quickly, or consuming certain foods like those high in fat, fiber, or spice. Other frequent causes are gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines due to viral or bacterial infections), constipation, and food intolerances (e.g., lactose or gluten). For women, menstrual cramps and conditions like endometriosis can also lead to stomach pain localized to the lower abdomen.

More serious causes of Stomach Pain may involve the digestive organs, such as the stomach, intestines, gallbladder, and pancreas. Conditions like gastritis, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), appendicitis, gallstones, and pancreatitis can cause persistent or acute abdominal pain that may require medical evaluation. In some cases, stomach pain may also be a symptom of a more complex issue, like kidney stones or urinary tract infections. Persistent, severe, or recurrent abdominal pain, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as fever, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits, should be assessed by a healthcare provider to diagnose and address the underlying cause.

As a parent, your child's health is your top priority. While minor bumps and bruises are part of growing up, there are times when a trip to the pediatrician's office just isn't feasible, and an emergency room visit might be too overwhelming. This is where urgent care clinics can be a lifesaver.

Urgent care clinics offer a convenient and efficient option for addressing a variety of non-life-threatening childhood illnesses and injuries. They're staffed with qualified healthcare professionals experienced in treating children, and often have shorter wait times compared to emergency rooms.

Here are some signs that a trip to urgent care might be necessary for your child:

- Fever: A high fever (generally above 100.4F for infants or 102.2F for older children) can be a sign of infection. Urgent care can provide a diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

- Persistent cough or congestion: A cough or congestion that lasts for several days or worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms like wheezing or difficulty breathing, may require medical attention. Urgent care can assess your child and provide medication or breathing treatments if needed.

- Earaches: Earaches can be very uncomfortable for children. Urgent care can diagnose the cause of the earache (ear infection, swimmer's ear, etc.) and prescribe medication to bring relief.