Abdominal Pain, Age 12 And Older: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

Do you have localized abdominal pain?

See significance of localized 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  localized pain ?

Yes

Do you have moderate localized pain and all of the following symptoms?

• Pain that has lasted for more than 4 hours and
• Pain that is increasing in severity and
• Nausea or vomiting

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

Have you had moderate  localized pain for longer than 4 hours without other symptoms?

Yes

Do you have pain with a new or different bulge at the navel or groin?

Yes

Do you have moderate pain that is different than your usual menstrual cramps or pelvic pain?

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 mild localized abdominal pain without other symptoms for longer than 24 hours?

Yes

Have you had mild  pelvic pain that is different than your usual menstrual cramps or pelvic pain for longer than 24 hours and you have done a pregnancy test and you are not pregnant?

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

Yes

Have you had abdominal pain for longer than 1 week?

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