Don’t Let an Upset Stomach Ruin Your Holiday: When to Seek Help

The holiday season is full of rich food. From roasts to cookies to nog, there’s plenty to savor this time of year. The problem is that those decadent flavors can often turn into unwelcome sensations as they pass through your digestive system.

A holiday stomachache isn’t uncommon. But it’s not something to ignore, either. 

If you’re experiencing a persistent or severe upset stomach, come in to see our team at SmartClinic Urgent Care in West Covina or Santa Clarita, California. As experts in abdominal pain, we can figure out what’s going on and help you get relief. 

Better still, because we offer same-day and walk-in visits, you can see us and then get on with your holiday plans. We know it’s a busy time of year, and we want to make it as convenient as possible to get the care you need. 

Does your upset stomach warrant a doctor’s visit? Let’s go over some signs that it does. 

When to see a doctor for an upset stomach

If your abdominal distress just feels like a normal upset stomach, monitor it. If it’s not better by the next day, come in to see us. In the meantime, drinking plenty of fluids and eating smaller meals with bland foods can help ease your discomfort.

If your stomach problem comes with other symptoms, it’s worth getting medical attention sooner. Visit our urgent care team promptly if you also have:

• Swelling or tenderness around your stomach
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever
• Yellowing skin
• Blood in your stool

If your upset stomach is severe and you have chest pain, you’re vomiting blood, or you can’t urinate or make a bowel movement, call 911 or go to the ER. 

Getting the help you need this holiday season

When you come in to see our team, we figure out what’s contributing to your upset stomach. This allows us to recommend a treatment that should bring you relief. 

Even if your stomachache doesn’t tick any of the above boxes, you still might benefit from getting medical care. The holidays can be a stressful time of year, and stress can contribute to stomach pain. 

We can work with you to develop a stress management plan that helps you better navigate holiday chaos, whether that means breathing exercises, IV therapy, lifestyle changes, or something else. 

This time of year can be filled with a lot of joy, but it also has its fair share of challenges. Don’t let an upset stomach add to them. Our team is here to help you get relief. 

Call SmartClinic Urgent Care to schedule an appointment or simply walk into either of our locations when it’s convenient for you.