Common Digestive Issues Treated at Urgent Care: When to Seek Help and What to Expect

Digestive discomfort is common, ranging from mild bloating and heartburn to more serious issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and food poisoning. While some gastrointestinal symptoms can be safely managed at home, others may need a professional diagnostic evaluation and treatment.

South Tampa Immediate Care is an excellent source of urgent care for stomach problems in Tampa, Florida. We offer a convenient alternative to visiting a hospital emergency room for non-life-threatening digestive issues or waiting for an appointment to see a primary care provider.

Common Digestive Issues Treated at Our Urgent Care Center

The experienced medical team at South Tampa Immediate Care diagnoses and treats a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, including:

  • Diarrhea – Loose stools can result from a viral or bacterial infection or food intolerance, quickly leading to dehydration if left untreated.
  • Constipation – Persistent difficulty passing stools may warrant a medical evaluation, particularly if it is accompanied by abdominal pain or bloating.
  • Nausea and vomiting – Gastrointestinal distress is often caused by a viral infection, foodborne illness, or dehydration.
  • Acid reflux – Severe or recurrent heartburn can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which may require treatment to avoid more serious complications, such as esophagitis.
  • Indigestion – Chronic or unexplained digestive discomfort might be linked to diet, stress, or an underlying condition, such as a peptic ulcer.
  • Food poisoning – Consuming contaminated food can lead to intense abdominal cramping, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • IBS flare-ups – An urgent care visit can help manage symptoms like cramping, bloating, and diarrhea.

When to Seek Help for a Digestive Issue

Gastrointestinal symptoms can vary widely in severity, so it is essential to know when to seek professional medical attention. In general, you should visit our urgent care center if you experience:

  • Persistent or worsening symptoms despite at-home remedies
  • Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, and dark urine
  • Severe abdominal pain, especially if localized or accompanied by fever
  • Bloody vomit or stool, which could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding
  • Unexplained weight loss or fatigue, which may signal an underlying health condition

For life-threatening symptoms, such as severe chest or abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting, it is important to call 911 immediately or go directly to the nearest hospital ER for emergency care.

What to Expect During Your Urgent Care Visit

When you visit South Tampa Immediate Care for a digestive issue, your provider will begin with a review of your symptoms and medical history. Be prepared to describe your discomfort in detail, including when it started and any known triggers, such as specific foods or stress.

Next, your provider will perform a physical exam, which could include gently pressing your abdomen to check for tenderness and swelling. Depending on your symptoms, your provider may also order diagnostic testing, such as:

  • Lab tests – Blood work, urinalysis, and hemoccult can reveal clues about the source of digestive discomfort.
  • Imaging studies – X-rays can detect gastrointestinal issues, such as blockages.

Treatment Options for Digestive Discomfort

Treatment for a digestive issue can vary depending on the underlying cause. Common interventions include:

  • Dietary advice – Your provider may recommend specific foods to eliminate from or incorporate into your diet to promote good digestive health.
  • Medication – Options may include antacids for heartburn, antiemetics for nausea, or antibiotics for a bacterial infection.

If necessary, your provider can also refer you to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, for further evaluation and treatment. If you need urgent care for a digestive issue or another non-life-threatening condition, visit our walk-in clinic in Tampa, FL, at your convenience. You can also enter our waiting room remotely and receive a text confirmation and updates on your position in the queue. At South Tampa Immediate Care, we prioritize patient convenience, offering extended availability to better accommodate your busy schedule—and a shorter wait time than a typical ER. We can also provide on-site diagnostic services, such as lab tests and imaging, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation during your visit. Come see us today!