24/7 ABDOMINAL PAIN EMERGENCY CARE
Severe Abdominal Pain ER in Houston — 24/7 Emergency Evaluation
Sudden, severe, or worsening abdominal pain—especially with vomiting, fever, fainting, blood in vomit or stool, or a hard, tender belly—should be evaluated in an emergency room. The Heights Emergency Room in Houston is open 24/7 for adults and children, and no appointment is needed.
Open 24/7 • Walk-Ins Welcome • No Appointment Required
WHAT WE OFFER
Emergency Care for Abdominal Pain, Day or Night
Open 24/7, Even Holidays
Abdominal pain often peaks at night. We are open every hour of every day.
Walk-Ins Welcome
No appointment or referral is needed for emergency evaluation.
CT Imaging On Site
CT of the abdomen and pelvis when your physician needs a closer look.
On-Site Laboratory
Blood counts, metabolic panel, lipase, urinalysis, and pregnancy testing.
IV Fluids & Medication
IV fluids and medication for pain and nausea when appropriate.
Near Houston Heights
101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, on the North Loop.
Not every stomachache is an emergency, but severe, sudden, or worsening pain deserves a prompt exam.
ABDOMINAL PAIN WARNING SIGNS
When Should You Go to the ER for Abdominal Pain?
Go to the ER for abdominal pain that is severe, starts suddenly, keeps getting worse, or lasts more than a few hours—and sooner if it comes with fever, repeated vomiting, fainting, blood in vomit or stool, or a belly that is rigid or too tender to touch.
Many cases of stomach pain come from gas, a viral illness, or indigestion and settle on their own. Others, such as appendicitis, a blocked bowel, or an infected gallbladder, can become dangerous within hours.
Get emergency care for abdominal pain with:
- Fever and chills
- Vomiting that won’t stop
- Blood in vomit, or black or bloody stool
- Fainting or lightheadedness
- A hard, swollen, or very tender belly
- Pain during pregnancy
- Inability to pass stool or gas
- Pain after an injury to the abdomen
PATIENT REVIEWS
What Patients Say About The Heights Emergency Room
4.7
★★★★★
Based on 664 Google reviews (as of October 2026)
Patients frequently mention a welcoming atmosphere and a clean facility.
E
Erika M. on Google
★★★★★
My sister went into anaphylactic shock while at work and her airway started to close. When we walked in the receptionist took one look at her swelling and ushered us to a medical suite. … I am immensely grateful to the care staff here. Their professionalism and efficiency went a long way to keep my sister calm during the whole process.
K
Kendi on Google
★★★★★
I had a great experience at The Heights Emergency Room after a head injury. … Dr. Zahid was very thorough in his evaluation and took the time to explain everything clearly. … I’m very grateful for the excellent care I received and would highly recommend The Heights Emergency Room!
A
Ahson W. on Google
★★★★★
Very good service. I brought my son here and they very quickly attended to him. … Abdullah took my son’s blood and Pablo administered the CT scan. … Dr. Khan explained the results thoroughly and professionally.
M
Michelle R. on Google
★★★★★
I had a great experience at this ER. The facility was very clean, and the staff was attentive, professional, and compassionate. They took the time to listen to my concerns and made sure all of my needs were addressed. I felt well cared for throughout my visit.
S
Samantha M. on Google
★★★★★
The staff here are amazing!! I had an embarrassing and painful health issue. … This staff made me feel so comfortable and supported through the pain, I didn’t feel embarrassed. … I left feeling heard, educated, and 1000% better!
Need emergency care now?
The Heights Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. No appointment needed.
Reviews reflect individual patient experiences; care and outcomes vary.
Severe Stomach Pain?
The Heights Emergency Room is open 24/7 for abdominal pain evaluation, with no appointment needed.
For fainting, heavy bleeding, or signs of shock, call 911.
On This Page
Abdominal Pain? We’re Open 24/7
Emergency evaluation is available day and night at The Heights Emergency Room.
Sudden or Severe Abdominal Pain
Pain that hits suddenly and hard, or that makes you stop what you’re doing, is a reason to be seen quickly.
Pain that raises concern
- Sharp pain that begins abruptly
- Pain that wakes you from sleep
- Pain that makes it hard to stand straight or walk
- Pain that steadily worsens over hours
- Pain that is much worse when you move or cough
Pain that worsens with movement or a bumpy car ride can signal irritation of the abdominal lining (peritonitis), which needs urgent care.
Abdominal Pain With Vomiting or Fever
Pain combined with vomiting or fever points to inflammation, infection, or a blockage more often than pain alone does.
Combinations to take seriously
- Pain with a fever of 100.4°F or higher
- Vomiting that keeps you from holding down fluids
- Green (bile-stained) vomit
- A swollen belly with no bowel movements or gas
- Pain with dizziness or very little urine
Repeated vomiting can also lead to dehydration. Learn more about vomiting and dehydration care.
Right-Side Abdominal Pain
Where pain sits can offer clues, though it can’t confirm a diagnosis.
Right lower abdomen: Appendicitis classically starts as a vague ache around the belly button that moves to the lower right over several hours, often with loss of appetite, nausea, and a low fever.
Right upper abdomen: Pain under the right ribs, especially after a fatty meal and sometimes spreading to the right shoulder blade, can come from gallstones or an inflamed gallbladder.
Lower Abdominal & Pelvic Pain
Lower abdominal pain can come from the bowel, bladder, kidneys, or—in women—the reproductive organs.
In women of childbearing age, sudden one-sided pelvic pain needs prompt evaluation for an ectopic pregnancy or a twisted ovary (ovarian torsion), both of which are time-sensitive.
Pain that starts in the back or side and moves toward the groin, especially with blood in the urine, may be a kidney stone. See also our pelvic pain emergency care page.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
Abdominal Pain in Children and Older Adults
Young children and older adults can have serious abdominal conditions with fewer obvious symptoms.
Children may not be able to say where it hurts. Watch for a child who refuses to walk or jump, lies very still, or has a fever with belly pain. We have a patient room dedicated to children; see our pediatric emergency care page.
In adults over 65, serious conditions such as a bowel blockage or a perforated ulcer can begin with milder pain and little or no fever.
YOUR ER VISIT
What Happens When You Visit the ER for Abdominal Pain?
Your evaluation starts with your history, vital signs, and a careful abdominal exam. From there, testing is tailored to what the physician suspects.
Lab Testing
Blood count, metabolic panel, liver tests, and lipase can point to infection, inflammation, or organ problems. Urinalysis and a pregnancy test are often included.
CT Imaging
A CT of the abdomen and pelvis can show appendicitis, kidney stones, a bowel blockage, and other causes when imaging is needed.
Symptom Relief
IV fluids and medication for pain and nausea may be given while you are evaluated. Pain relief generally does not interfere with finding the cause.
Not every patient needs every test. If surgery or hospital admission is needed, the team arranges transfer to an appropriate hospital.
What Can Cause Severe Abdominal Pain?
An emergency physician may consider a wide range of conditions. Possible causes can include:
Appendix & Gallbladder
Appendicitis, gallstones, and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) are common causes of urgent abdominal pain and may need surgery.
Infection & Inflammation
Gastroenteritis, diverticulitis, pancreatitis, and peptic ulcers can cause severe pain, often with vomiting or fever.
Kidney & Urinary
Kidney stones and kidney infections can cause intense side or lower abdominal pain, sometimes with blood in the urine.
Bowel & Gynecologic
A bowel obstruction or hernia—and in women, an ectopic pregnancy, ovarian cyst, or ovarian torsion—can present as abdominal pain.
A heart attack can occasionally show up as upper abdominal pain, particularly in women, older adults, and people with diabetes; see our chest pain ER page. This list is general information, not a diagnosis.
QUICK ANSWERS
Abdominal Pain Questions, Answered
When should I go to the ER for severe stomach pain?
Go to the ER if stomach pain is severe, came on suddenly, keeps getting worse, or comes with fever, repeated vomiting, fainting, blood in your vomit or stool, or a belly that is hard or very tender. Pain that lasts more than several hours without improving also deserves a prompt exam, because conditions like appendicitis can worsen quickly.
Where should I go in Houston for right-side abdominal pain and vomiting?
Right-side abdominal pain with vomiting should be evaluated in an emergency room, because appendicitis and gallbladder problems are possible causes. The Heights Emergency Room at 101 N Loop W #300 is open 24/7 with on-site lab testing and CT imaging. If the person is faint or confused, call 911.
Is sudden lower abdominal pain an emergency?
It can be. Sudden, severe lower abdominal pain may come from appendicitis, a kidney stone, a twisted ovary, an ectopic pregnancy, or a bowel problem—several of which are time-sensitive. Get evaluated promptly, especially if the pain is on one side, you could be pregnant, or you also have fever, vomiting, or lightheadedness.
Can an ER evaluate severe abdominal pain with CT or other imaging?
Yes. The Heights Emergency Room has CT imaging on site, including CT of the abdomen and pelvis, along with digital X-ray and laboratory testing. Your emergency physician decides which tests are appropriate based on your symptoms and exam, so not every patient needs a CT scan.
Should I go to urgent care or the ER for severe abdominal pain?
Choose the ER. Most urgent care clinics can’t perform CT scans or the full range of blood tests used to evaluate severe abdominal pain, so worrisome cases are often sent on to an ER anyway. Urgent care may be fine for mild, familiar discomfort without warning signs.
EMERGENCY SAFETY
When Should You Call 911 for Abdominal Pain?
Call 911 rather than driving if abdominal pain comes with signs that the body may be losing blood or going into shock.
Call 911 for:
- Fainting or nearly fainting
- Pale, cold, or clammy skin
- A racing heartbeat with weakness
- Vomiting large amounts of blood
- Severe pain after a car crash, fall, or blow to the belly
- Sudden tearing pain in the abdomen or back
- Confusion or extreme drowsiness
- Severe pain with trouble breathing
Paramedics can begin IV fluids and monitoring on the way and alert the emergency team before you arrive.
Don’t drive yourself if you feel faint or the pain is severe enough to affect your control of the car.
WHERE TO GO
ER vs Urgent Care for Abdominal Pain
Urgent care centers are a good fit for many minor illnesses, but most don’t have CT imaging or a full emergency laboratory. For severe, sudden, or worsening abdominal pain, an emergency room is the safer choice.
Call 911
- Fainting or signs of shock
- Vomiting large amounts of blood
- Severe pain after major trauma
- Sudden tearing abdominal or back pain
Go to the ER
- Severe, sudden, or worsening pain
- Pain with fever or repeated vomiting
- Right lower or right upper pain
- Pain during pregnancy
- A hard, swollen, or very tender belly
Urgent Care or Your Doctor
- Mild cramping from a known stomach bug
- Mild, familiar indigestion or heartburn
- Mild discomfort that is steadily improving
If you are unsure, choose the ER.
Learn more about the difference between urgent care and the ER.
24/7 Abdominal Pain Evaluation in Houston
Abdominal pain doesn’t wait for business hours. The Heights Emergency Room is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Emergency Physician Evaluation
A focused history and abdominal exam.
CT Imaging
Abdomen and pelvis CT when indicated.
Laboratory Testing
Blood work, urinalysis, and pregnancy testing.
IV Fluids
Hydration when you can’t keep fluids down.
Pain & Nausea Relief
Medication when appropriate.
Transfer Coordination
Arranged when surgery or admission is needed.
Testing and treatment depend on your symptoms and the physician’s evaluation.
Abdominal Pain ER Near Houston Heights
The Heights Emergency Room is a freestanding emergency room at 101 N Loop W #300, Houston, TX 77018, along the North Loop (610). It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for adults and children with abdominal pain and can be reached at (281) 560-4373.
The Heights Emergency Room
101 N Loop W #300
Houston, TX 77018
Houston, TX 77018
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you are searching for:
- Abdominal pain ER near me
- Severe stomach pain ER in Houston
- ER for right-side abdominal pain
- Emergency room near Houston Heights
The Heights Emergency Room is open day and night for abdominal pain evaluation.
Serving Houston Heights and Nearby Neighborhoods
Patients with stomach and abdominal pain come to us from across central and northwest Houston, including Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, Houston Heights, Timbergrove, Woodland Heights, Independence Heights, the Northside, Rice Military, the Washington Avenue corridor, First Ward, and Downtown. Our North Loop location is a short drive from many of these neighborhoods, any time of day or night.
ZIP 77018
Garden Oaks, Oak Forest, and Independence Heights / Central Northwest
ZIP 77008
Houston Heights, Lazybrook, and Timbergrove
ZIP 77009
Heights East, Northside, and the Woodland Heights area
ZIP 77022
Independence Heights and Northline / Northside
ZIP 77007
Washington Avenue, Rice Military, the western and southern Heights, and First Ward
ZIP 77002
Downtown, northern Downtown, and nearby First Ward areas
Travel times vary with traffic and time of day.
FAQ
Abdominal Pain ER — Frequently Asked Questions
Mild pain that improves within a few hours is usually not an emergency. Pain that is severe, getting worse, or lasting more than several hours—or that comes with fever, vomiting, or bleeding—should be evaluated the same day, and urgently if it is severe.
Early appendicitis can cause a dull, shifting ache that is easy to dismiss. Over several hours, the pain usually becomes constant and settles in the lower right abdomen. If pain is worsening or concentrating on the right side, get checked rather than waiting.
It’s best not to eat until you have been evaluated, since some causes may require a procedure or surgery. Small sips of water are generally fine unless you are vomiting. Bring a list of your medications.
Yes. A pregnancy test is commonly part of the evaluation for women of childbearing age with abdominal or pelvic pain, because the result changes which conditions and tests the physician considers.
Usually not, if it’s mild and you can stay hydrated. Seek emergency care for bloody diarrhea, severe pain, high fever, signs of dehydration such as dizziness or very little urine, or diarrhea in someone who is frail or has a weakened immune system.
Related: Vomiting & dehydration care · Urinary tract infections · Pelvic pain care · Pediatric emergency care
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Severe Abdominal Pain? Emergency Care Is Available 24/7
Don’t wait out abdominal pain that is severe, sudden, or getting worse—especially with fever, vomiting, or bleeding.
For fainting, heavy bleeding, or signs of shock, call 911 immediately.
