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Abdominal pain
Alternative Names: Stomach pain; Pain - abdomen; Belly ache; Abdominal cramps; Acute abdomen Home Care: For mild pains: Sip water or other clear fluids. Avoid solid food for the first few hours. If there has been vomiting, wait 6 hours. Then, eat small amounts of mild foods. If the pain is high up in your abdomen and occurs after meals, antacids may provide some relief, especially if you feel heartburn or indigestion. Avoid citrus, high-fat foods, fried or greasy foods, tomato products, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages. You may also try H2 blockers (Tagamet, Pepcid, or Zantac) available over the counter. If any of these medicines worsen your pain, CALL your doctor right away. AVOID aspirin, ibuprofen, and narcotic pain medications unless your health care provider prescribes them. If you know that your pain is not related to your liver, you can try acetaminophen (Tylenol). Text Continues Below Call your health care provider if: Call 911 if you: Have sudden, sharp abdominal pain Have chest, neck, or shoulder pain Are vomiting blood or have blood in your stool (especially if maroon or dark, tarry black) Have a rigid, hard abdomen that is tender to touch Are unable to pass stool, especially if you are also vomiting Call your doctor if you have: Bloating that persists for more than 2 days Diarrhea for more than 5 days Abdominal discomfort that lasts one week or longer Fever (over 100°F for adults or 100.4°F for children) with your pain A burning sensation when you urinate or frequent urination Pain in your shoulder blades and nausea Pain that develops during pregnancy (or possible pregnancy) Prolonged poor appetite Unexplained weight loss What to expect at your health care provider's office: Page:  1 | 2 | 3 | Next >>