Abdominal Pain

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Following your assessment, the doctor has decided that the probable cause of your abdominal pain does not require further observation or investigation at present. However, because of the nature of some diseases in the abdomen, symptoms and signs may change after a period of time.

Unfortunately, without a definite diagnosis, painkillers are not routinely advised to relieve abdominal pain.

To help you cope with the pain for the first day or two, you should:

• Rest at home in the company of an adult, who should also read this advice sheet
• Follow a light diet – soup/jelly in small amounts
• Take frequent, small quantities of water

You should not:
• Drink alcohol or fizzy drinks

Seek urgent medical advice if:

• Your pain becomes worse or fails to improve
• You vomit repeatedly
• You do not pass stools or wind
• You pass blood in the stools or urine
• You are concerned about any new symptoms

In some patients, the exact cause of abdominal pain is not obvious. This may require further tests which can be arranged by your GP to be done in the hospital. The ED doctors cannot arrange these tests. It is, therefore, important that you should make an urgent appointment to see your GP.