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How can you care for abdominal pain?
- Rest until you feel better.
- To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids. Choose water and other clear liquids until you feel better. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- When you feel like eating, start with small amounts. Do not have alcohol, caffeine, or spicy, hot, or high-fat foods for a day or two.
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), and naproxen (Aleve). These can cause stomach upset. Talk to your doctor if you take daily aspirin for another health problem.
Abdominal pain: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You pass maroon or very bloody stools.
- You vomit blood or what looks like coffee grounds.
- You have severe belly pain.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your pain gets worse, especially if it becomes focused in one area of your belly.
- You have a new or higher fever.
- Your stools are black and look like tar, or they have streaks of blood.
- You have unexpected vaginal bleeding.
- You have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These may include:
- Pain when you urinate.
- Urinating more often than usual.
- Blood in your urine.
- You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You are not getting better as expected.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.