Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Shock. Shock is more likely to occur with an injury, bleeding, infection, or a serious illness.
• Pain in the upper abdomen that occurs with chest pain that is crushing or squeezing, feels like a heavy weight on the chest, or occurs with any other symptoms of a heart attack
• Moderate to severe difficulty breathing
• Severe dehydration
• Severe abdominal pain:
  • And fainting (syncope)
  • If you are older than age 60

Note:

If you are pregnant and have severe pain in the belly, go to the topic Pregnancy-Related Problems for evaluation of your symptoms.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

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

Note:

If you are pregnant or just had a baby: Go to the topic Pregnancy-Related Problems or Problems After Delivery of Your Baby. If you have had surgery to your belly recently and are having problems: Go to the topic Postoperative Problems.

Yes	Do you have severe pain?
Yes	Do you think you may be pregnant?
Yes	Have you had a recent injury to the abdomen?
Yes	Do you have localized abdominal pain?
Yes	Do you have generalized or cramping abdominal pain?
Yes	Are your stools black or bloody?
Yes	Are you vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds?
Yes	Do you have a fever?
Yes	Do you have symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration?
Yes	Do you think that a medicine is causing your abdominal pain?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Ongoing nausea and vomiting: Go to the topic Nausea and Vomiting, Age 4 and Older.
• Heartburn: Go to the topic Heartburn.
• Gas, bloating, and burping: Go to the topic Gas, Bloating, and Burping.
• Painful urination or other urinary problems: Go to the topic Urinary Problems, Age 12 and Older.
• Pain in the groin or scrotal area: Go to the topic Groin Problems and Injuries or Male Genital Problems and Injuries.
• A rectal problem: Go to the topic Rectal Problems.
• Diarrhea: Go to the topic Diarrhea, Age 12 and Older.
• Respiratory problem: Go to the topic Respiratory Problems, Age 12 and Older.
• New or different menstrual cramps: Go to the topic Menstrual Cramps.
• Unexpected vaginal bleeding: Go to the topic Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding.
• Vaginal discharge: Go to the topic Vaginal Problems.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: January 13, 2009
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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