HealthSquare.com

Your Prescription Drug Destination
See all our sites for your special health needs at www.HealthCentral.com
HealthSquare >  Conditions and Treatments >  Alpha Index >  A >  Abdominal Pain in Adults

Search:

Choose a suggestion...
...or just finish typing
Drugs A-Z:

Abdominal Pain in Adults

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Pain felt in the abdomen can come from inside or outside the belly. The pain may be a sign of a serious problem or be the result of something as harmless as gas. Doctors often cannot find the source.

Causes

Abdominal pain can be caused by a blockage or swelling of your appendix, chemicals and swelling that irritate nerves and body tissues, stretching of nerve fibers, infection with bacteria, or an irritation from stomach acids.

Signs/Symptoms

The pain may take the form of cramps that come and go or it may be constant. It may feel like stabbing, aching, or burning in your abdomen. Pain may also spread to your back or chest. Sometimes the pain may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever.

Care

Depends on the cause. Your doctor will need to ask a number of questions and examine your abdomen. X-rays and tests on your blood, urine, and stool may be necessary. You may have to stay in the hospital, and you may even need surgery.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

  • If the doctor is not sure of what's causing the pain, you may need to return later or make an appointment with another doctor for more tests.
  • If the doctor prescribes antibiotics, continue to take them until they are all gone--even if you feel well. Always take medicines exactly as directed.
  • Take your temperature every 4 hours.
  • As long as you still have pain, do not eat any solid foods or drink large amounts of liquids. If you get thirsty, you may take small sips of fluids or suck on ice.

Seek Care Immediately If...

  • Your pain gets worse or becomes focused in one area.
  • You throw up blood or find blood in your stool.
  • You feel dizzy or faint.
  • Your abdomen becomes swollen.
  • You have a high temperature.
  • You have trouble urinating.
  • You have trouble breathing.
Return to top
 Email this page |   Printer friendly |   Bookmark this page
HONcode logo
We comply with the HONcode standard for health trust worthy information: verify here.
More info from:

HealthCentral.com's
Acid Reflux Site

Most Viewed
Top Acid Reflux Drugs
More 

Latest News

  • House passes healthcare reform bill
  • Tips for a safe Halloween
  • Antacids may increase risk of food poisoning
  • Some heartburn meds may lead to weight gain
  • Long-term use of heartburn drug linked to brain disorder
    • More 

    Learn More

    Acid Reflux Related Drugs

    View All
    More info from

    HealthCentral.com's
    Acid Reflux Site

    View all conditions
    PR Newswire
    advertisement

    Featured Advertiser Links
    Note: All clinical content on this site is physician-reviewed, except material generated by our community members.
    Featuring Content From:
    • Harvard Health Publications
    • A.D.A.M.
    • HealthDay: News for Healthier Living
    • Thomson PDR
    • Ivanhoe Broadcast News

    By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on HealthSquare.com is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional mediscal care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2004-2009. The HealthCentral Network, Inc. All rights reserved.

    • HonCode: Health on the Net Foundation
    • TRUSTe Certified Privacy