Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
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
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.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: February 15, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Jerome B. Simon, MD, FRCPC, FACP - Gastroenterology | |
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