Everyone experiences abdominal pain from time to time. Other terms used to describe abdominal pain are stomachache, tummy ache, gut ache and bellyache. Abdominal pain can be mild or severe. It may be constant or come and go. Abdominal pain can be short-lived, also called acute. It also may occur over weeks, months or years, also known as chronic.
Call your health care provider right away if you have abdominal pain so severe that you can't move without causing more pain. Also call if you can't sit still or find a comfortable position.
Call 911 or emergency medical assistance
Seek help if your abdominal pain is severe and is associated with:
- Trauma, such as an accident or injury.
- Pressure or pain in your chest.
Seek immediate medical attention
Have someone drive you to urgent care or the emergency room if you have:
- Severe pain.
- Fever.
- Bloody stools.
- Persistent nausea and vomiting.
- Weight loss.
- Skin that appears discolored.
- Severe tenderness when you touch your abdomen.
- Swelling of the abdomen.
Schedule a doctor's visit
Make an appointment with your health care provider if your abdominal pain worries you or lasts more than a few days.
In the meantime, find ways to ease your pain. For instance, eat smaller meals if your pain is accompanied by indigestion and drink enough fluids. Avoid taking nonprescription pain relievers or laxatives unless directed by your health care provider.
Show References
- Penner RM, et al. Evaluation of the adult with abdominal pain. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 3, 2021.
- Abdominal pain syndrome. American College of Gastroenterology. https://gi.org/topics/abdominal-pain/. Accessed June 2, 2021.
- Cameron P, et al., eds. Approach to abdominal pain. In: Textbook of Adult Emergency Medicine. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 3, 2021.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/abdominal-pain/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050728