ABDOMINAL PAIN
Many different conditions can cause abdominal pain. Antacids may provide some relief for mild abdominal pain, especially if you feel heartburn or indigestion. AVOID aspirin, ibuprofen, and narcotic pain medications unless your health care provider prescribes them. If your symptoms do not quickly improve, or if any of these medicines worsen your pain, CALL your doctor right away.
Call 911 if you:
- Have sudden, sharp abdominal pain
- Have chest, neck, or shoulder pain
- Are vomiting blood or have blood in your stool (especially if maroon or dark, tarry black)
- Have a rigid, hard abdomen that is tender to touch
- Are unable to pass stool, especially if you are also vomiting
You should call your doctor immediately if you have:
- Bloating that persists for more than 2 days
- Diarrhea for more than 5 days
- Abdominal discomfort that lasts one week or longer
- Fever (over 100°F for adults or 100.4°F for children) with your pain
- A burning sensation when you urinate or frequent urination
- Pain in your shoulder blades and nausea
- Pain that develops during pregnancy (or possible pregnancy)
- Prolonged loss of your appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
(Source: NIH: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia 2009)
Abdominal Pain – definition:
Your abdomen extends from below your chest to your groin. Some people call it the stomach, but your abdomen contains many other important organs besides the stomach. Pain in the abdomen can come from any one of them. The pain may start somewhere else, such as your chest. Severe pain doesn't always mean a serious problem. Nor does mild pain mean a problem is not serious (Source: National Library of Medicine)
Abdominal Pain – in children: The majority of the immune system (system that protects you against infections, cancer, stresses, etc.) resides in the abdomen. Almost any infection or stressful situation in children can cause abdominal pain. Constipation is also a common source of overlooked chronic abdominal pain in Children.
Abdominal Pain – occurs when hungry: Abdominal pain associated with certain forms of Peptic Ulcer Disease often occurs in association with hunger
Abdominal Pain – occurs after meals: – Abdominal pain associated with Gallstone disease and certain types of ulcer disease often occurs after eating
Abdominal Pain – persistent: Call your healthcare provider and get medical help immediately if your abdominal pain lasts a week or more or if you have pain with the following abdominal symptoms:
- You have abdominal pain that is sudden and sharp
- You also have pain in your chest, neck or shoulder
- You're vomiting blood or have blood in your stool
- Your abdomen is stiff, hard and tender to touch
- You can't move your bowels, especially if you're also vomiting
