Should the ER be visited for extreme abdominal pain along with hot flashes?
Patient: I just suffered extreme pain in abdominal area, near waist band & belly button, along with such a hot feeling and sweating for about 10+ minutes. Had hard time walking to phone and sofa. Lying down didn't help. I had just eaten half a medium size bowl of spicy and leftover chili, mushrooms and veggies and suddenly felt I couldn't eat another bite, then the pain and massive sweating occurred and I almost never sweat much.  I felt extremely hot and felt I had to remove clothing but couldn't do it as moving hurt. Pain overtook much movement. Might this have been appendicitis or pancreatic necrosis? My father did of pancreatic cancer st 88 y.o. I was able to move with difficulty to sofa and then to stairs to call my husband for help. He tested for stroke by asking me to smile and move facial muscles. I passed and am now online seeking answer. Shall I cal PCP or go to ER if episode occurs again? I still feel heaviness in abdominal area and discomfort in stomach but it's not the same as earlier pain. I had had a fine BM this morning. Doctor: Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.  As per my clinical experience, the issue is related to acute episode of severe gastritis following spices, the exacerbation of the symptoms are related to vagal response from the parasympathetic pathway.  I do not recommend an ER visit at all, as the condition is quite settled at present, obviously have to be careful next time, before consuming the same spices.  Wish you fine recovery. I would like to assist you further in this regard.