Abdominal Pain, Age 12 And Older: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have generalized or cramping abdominal pain?

See significance of generalized or cramping pain 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 severe pain?

Yes

Do you have any pain and you feel your heartbeat in your abdomen (a pulsating sensation)?

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 moderate pain that is getting worse?

Yes

Have you had moderate, unchanged pain for longer than 24 hours?

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

Yes

Have you had mild, unchanged pain for longer than 24 hours?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had abdominal pain for longer than 1 week?

Yes

Have you had an unexplained weight loss of more than ?

Yes

Have you had any of the following symptoms off and on over the past 2 to 3 months?

• Pain in your pelvis or abdomen
• A bloated or swollen abdomen
• Difficulty eating, or feeling full quickly

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