Everything you need to know about the symptoms of Abdominal Pain

Everyone experiences abdominal pain from time to time. Other terms used to describe abdominal pain are stomachache, tummy ache, gut ache and bellyache. Abdominal pain can be mild or severe. It may be continuous or come and go. Abdominal pain can be short-lived (acute) or occur over weeks, months or years (chronic).

Call your doctor right away if you have abdominal pain so severe that you can’t move without causing more pain, or you can’t sit still or find a comfortable position.

Seek immediate medical help if pain is accompanied by other worrisome signs and symptoms, including:

  • Severe pain
  • Fever
  • Bloody stools
  • Persistent nausea and vomiting
  • Weight loss
  • Skin that appears yellow
  • Severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen
  • Swelling of the abdomen

Seek help if your abdominal pain is severe and is associated with:

  • Trauma, such as an accident or injury
  • Pressure or pain in your chest

Have someone drive you to the hospital if you have:

  • 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

Schedule a doctor’s visit
Make an appointment with your doctor if your abdominal pain worries you or lasts more than a few days.

In the meantime, find ways to ease your pain. For instance, eat smaller meals if your pain is accompanied by indigestion. Avoid taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin or ibuprofen because these can cause stomach irritation that may worsen abdominal pain.

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