Signs Your Stomach Bug Needs Medical Treatment
A stomach bug in New Braunfels can go from unpleasant to serious faster than most people expect. Here’s what to watch for and when to act.
Stomach viruses are common and often come on fast. You feel fine in the morning, and by evening, you’re doubled over with cramps, stuck near a bathroom, and struggling to keep fluids down. Most of the time, a stomach bug resolves in a day or two. But when symptoms don’t improve or get worse, it’s important to know where to turn.
At First Priority ER in New Braunfels, we regularly treat people who thought they could “tough it out” until they were dangerously dehydrated. That kind of delay doesn’t help you recover faster. It often means a longer and harder road back to normal.
How to Tell When It’s More Than a Stomach Bug
A stomach bug becomes a medical issue when your body can’t keep up with the fluid loss, or when the symptoms point to something beyond a simple virus.
If you haven’t been able to drink or hold down fluids in the last several hours, you’re likely becoming dehydrated. That’s not something to wait on. Dehydration makes every symptom worse and can lead to confusion, muscle weakness, and in rare cases, organ stress.
Persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool or vomit, or a high fever are also reasons to come in. These signs can suggest a bacterial infection, inflammation, or other causes that need more than fluids and rest to treat.
What Happens When You Visit the ER for Stomach Illness
At First Priority ER, we start by stabilizing what’s most urgent, usually fluids and anti-nausea medication. From there, we’ll ask about your symptoms, run basic labs if needed, and rule out more serious conditions like appendicitis, pancreatitis, or foodborne illness.
Many patients leave within a few hours, hydrated, resting, and with a plan. Some need additional care or medication. Either way, getting a clear picture early helps you avoid complications and recover faster.
When Rest Isn’t Enough, Come In
Most stomach bugs pass. But some don’t. If you’re in that gray area where you’re not sure if it’s bad enough to go in, that’s a good time to walk into First Priority ER. You won’t wait long, you won’t be surprised by the bill, and you’ll leave with answers.
We’re open daily, with on-site lab testing, imaging, and experienced emergency physicians.
For more on how to stay hydrated or when to seek care for foodborne illness, visit the CDC’s stomach bug guide.
