GI Urgent Care in Charlotte, NC
Nothing can spoil your day like a stomach illness or a sudden episode of food sickness. Visit Dr. Sylvia Okoye, MD, and Dr. Joseph Okoye, MD, of Eastway Medical Urgent Care to treat common stomach ailments. We are conveniently located at 1220 Eastway Drive Charlotte, NC 28205. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online.




Table of Contents:
What is urgent care for digestive problems?
When should I be concerned about stomach problems?
What GI conditions can be treated at urgent care?
How can I find a nearby GI urgent care?
When digestive distress strikes with urgency, prompt intervention is crucial to alleviate suffering and prevent complications. Urgent care centers specialize in providing expeditious assessment and treatment for gastrointestinal issues that demand immediate attention but fall short of requiring emergency room care.
These urgent digestive concerns include:
• Acute, severe abdominal pain
• Unrelenting vomiting or diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Symptoms of food poisoning
Urgent care centers are equipped to evaluate and address these conditions swiftly. Diagnostic measures may include:
• Blood tests
• Urine analysis
• X-rays, or ultrasounds.
Treatment options prioritize symptom management and prevention:
• Intravenous fluids for rehydration
• Medications to curb nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Effective pain management strategies
Dietary guidance and medication prescriptions may also be provided for symptom control. If necessary, urgent care providers facilitate seamless referrals to gastroenterologists or other specialists for comprehensive follow-up care.
However, it’s vital to recognize the distinction between urgent and emergent digestive symptoms. Severe conditions such as:
• Intense abdominal pain suggesting appendicitis
• Perforated ulcer
• Bowel obstruction
Require immediate emergency medical attention. These situations often necessitate surgical intervention to prevent life-threatening complications.
Stomach issues, while often dismissed as innocuous discomforts, can sometimes be messengers of underlying medical conditions that demand immediate medical attention. While minor gas, bloating, or occasional indigestion can be managed with home remedies, certain persistent or severe symptoms should not be ignored.
Red Flags to Seek Medical Help:
• Persistent Abdominal Pain: If pain persists beyond a few days or worsens despite over-the-counter medications, it could signal appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or pancreatitis.
• Intractable Nausea or Vomiting: Unrelenting nausea or vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Weight loss without an apparent cause can indicate gastrointestinal disorders or even cancer.
• Disturbed Bowel Habits: Chronic diarrhea, constipation, black/tarry stools, or severe bloating may point to infections, gastrointestinal bleeding, or inflammatory diseases.
• Blood in Stool or Vomit: Blood in these bodily fluids is a serious symptom requiring immediate medical evaluation.
• Swallowing Difficulties or Chest Pain During Eating: These symptoms may indicate esophageal issues like GERD or cancer.
• Severe Bloating or Feeling Full After Minimal Consumption: These could be signs of GERD, ulcers, or certain cancers.
• High Fever: A high fever accompanying stomach issues can indicate a serious infection.
Caution for High-Risk Individuals:
Individuals over 50 or those with a history of gastrointestinal disorders should be particularly vigilant about any new or worsening symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for effectively managing stomach problems. If you experience any of these concerning symptoms, do not hesitate to seek timely medical consultation.
When gastrointestinal issues rear their ugly heads, time is of the essence. Urgent care centers stand ready to provide prompt and expert care for a wide array of non-life-threatening GI conditions that demand swift attention.
These specialized facilities boast a comprehensive armamentarium tailored to effectively combat GI distress, including:
• Gastroenteritis: We’ll tame the dreaded stomach flu with intravenous fluids, oral hydration, and guidance to restore your hydration levels.
• Food Poisoning: No more gut-wrenching cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting! Our expert team will ease your suffering and provide dietary advice to get you back on track.
• Gastritis and Peptic Ulcer Disease: Say goodbye to stomach pain, bloating, and nausea with targeted medications that bring relief.
• GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease): Heartburn and acid reflux? We’ve got you covered with antacids and other therapies to soothe your burning discomfort.
• Constipation: We’ll unstop your bowels with laxatives and dietary recommendations, preventing unpleasant complications like impaction.
• Uncomplicated Diverticulitis: Mild abdominal pain and bowel irregularities? We’ll navigate the challenges with dietary guidance and medications.
• Diarrhea: Restoring your body’s fluids and controlling diarrhea are our top priorities, ensuring you stay hydrated and comfortable.
• Vomiting: We’ll tame the nausea and keep you hydrated with anti-nausea medications and fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Abdominal Pain: Pain relievers and antispasmodics will ease your discomfort, while diagnostic tests pinpoint the underlying cause.
When to Head to the ER:
Urgent care is not equipped to handle severe GI conditions that require intensive intervention, such as:
• Significant gastrointestinal bleeding
• Severe abdominal pain suggesting appendicitis
• Bowel obstruction
These situations require immediate emergency room evaluation and may need surgical attention.
In conclusion, urgent care centers are your go-to destination for a wide range of non-life-threatening GI issues, providing timely and effective care to alleviate your symptoms and prevent complications. However, for severe conditions, don’t hesitate to seek emergency treatment to ensure the best possible outcome.
Having stomach trouble? Finding a GI urgent care nearby is easier than you think!
Search online: Use Google Maps, Zocdoc, Healthgrades, or Vitals to find “GI urgent care near me.” These platforms offer advanced searches to pinpoint facilities that meet your needs. You’ll see addresses, phone numbers, and even patient reviews to help you choose.
Talk to your doctor: Your primary care physician or gastroenterologist might recommend a specific GI specialist or urgent care center equipped for your situation. They may even offer urgent care services themselves.
Hospitals: Hospital emergency departments can guide you toward specialized GI urgent care services for prompt and effective
treatment.
Be prepared: Before your visit, gather any medical records or test results related to your digestive issues. This will help healthcare professionals diagnose and treat you quickly.
Visit Eastway Medical Clinic for GI issues treatment. We are conveniently located at 1220 Eastway Drive Charlotte, NC 28205. For more information, please contact us or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Charlotte NC, Newell NC, Mint Hill NC, Matthews NC, Allen NC, Harrisburg NC, and surrounding cities.