Abdominal Pain, Age 12 And Older: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have a fever?

See significance of fever if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Note:

Do not eat or drink anything until you have talked with your health professional.

Yes

Do you have a fever of or higher?

Yes

Do you think you have a high fever but you are unable to measure your temperature?

Yes

Do you have a fever of or higher with signs of severe infection, such as shaking chills?

Yes

Do you think you have a moderate fever with signs of severe infection but you are unable to measure your temperature?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Note:

Do not eat, and drink only sips of clear liquids until you have talked with your health professional.

Yes

Do you have a fever of to or higher?

Yes

Do you think you have a moderate fever but you are unable to measure your temperature?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had a fever of or higher for 2 full days?

Yes

Do you think you have had a mild a fever for 2 full days but you are unable to measure your temperature?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	February 15, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer