Abdominal pain refers to any pain in the abdomen or the area of the body called the stomach or belly. The abdomen is the area from the bottom of your ribs to your groin. The pain can be described as constant (all the time) or occasional (comes and goes), sharp or dull, or cramping, burning or aching. The pain may also be combined with fever, nausea, vomiting (throwing up), diarrhea (the runs) and/or constipation.
Causes
Abdominal pain can be caused by many things such as indigestion (heart burn), gas, food intolerance, ulcers, appendicitis, hernia, gallbladder disease, kidney stones, constipation or a bladder infection.
In women it may also be caused by menstrual cramps, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts and pelvic inflammatory disease.
Home Care
Rest until you feel better
Take any medication the doctor has prescribed
Take an over the counter medication the doctor has advised, such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Avoid alcohol and caffeine (coffee, cola etc.)
Avoid smoking
Limit activities that cause the pain or make it worse
Call or see the Doctor when
You have a fever over 38°C
If you see blood in the stool (bowel movement) or urine (pee)
Have problems passing urine
Have shortness of breath
Vomiting (throwing up) frequently
Show signs of dehydration: dry sticky mouth, extreme thirst, drowsiness and dizziness
Vomiting of blood or a substance that looks like coffee grounds
Sharp, constant pain
Pain in the scrotum or testicles
Pain that goes up into the shoulders
Reference:
Queen Elizabeth II, Nova Scotia, Abdominal pain, 2002
Kids Health, Belly pain, 2006
Mayo clinic, Abdominal pain, 2004
Click on the language of your choice for a printable version
.jpg)
