Call or see your healthcare provider if the patient has any of the following:

• Abdominal pain that lasts more than six hours or is getting worse
• Pain that stops the patient from eating
• Pain accompanied by vomiting more than three or four times
• Pain that worsens when the patient tries to move around
• Pain that starts all over, but settles into one area especially the right lower abdomen
• Pain that wakes the patient up at night
• Pain with vaginal bleeding or pregnancy, even if the patient only thinks she might be pregnant
• Pain accompanied by fever over 101°F
• Pain along with inability to urinate, move the bowels, or pass gas
• Any other pain that feels different from a simple stomach ache
• Any other pain that alarms the patient, or concerns the them in any way

If the patient has any of the following, or cannot reach their healthcare provider, go to a hospital emergency department:

• The "worst pain of your life" or very severe pain
• Pain so bad the patient passes out or almost passes out
• Pain so bad the patient cannot move
• Pain and vomiting blood, or any vomiting that lasts more than six hours
• Pain and no bowel movement for more than three days
• Pain that reminds you of pain you had before, when you ended up needing surgery
• Pain the patient thinks might be in their chest, but they aren't sure
• Pain that seems to come from the patient's testicles

Top

Abdominal pain without fever, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, passing out, chest pain, or other serious symptoms often gets better without special treatment.

• If the pain persists or if the patient believes the pain may represent a serious problem, they should see their healthcare provider.
• A heating pad or soaking in a tub of warm water may ease the patient's pain.
• Over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums, Maalox, or Pepto-Bismol, also can reduce some types of abdominal pain. Activated charcoal capsules also may help.
• Acetaminophen may help. Try to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen. These drugs can make some types of stomach ache worse.

Top