Abdominal Pain, Age 12 and Older
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
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 5 lb (2 kg)?
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.
| 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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