 Pain in the abdomen can range from mild discomfort to agony. There are many causes of abdominal pain. Most are not serious but others may be an indication of serious injury, such as internal bleeding, of a potential emergency such as appendicitis or a stomach ulcer, or of problems with the muscles, for example, a hernia or muscle strain. If stomach pain in an infant is accompanied by fever, diarrhea, or vomiting, seek prompt medical advice.
TREATING ABDOMINAL PAIN
- Check the history of the pain to rule out recent injury, potential poisoning or an underlying medical condition.
- Settle the person into a comfortable position and provide a covered hot-water bottle to provide some relief from the pain.
- If the pain is severe or does not ease within half an hour, seek medical advice.
Seek early medical advice or an ambulance if the pain is accompanied by:
- Vomiting red blood (a potential burst stomach ulcer).
- High temperature (possible infection, such as peritonitis, caused by a burst appendix).
- Rigid (inflexible) abdomen (may indicate internal bleeding).
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