Seek Emergency Care If You Have:
- Sudden severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting blood or coffee-ground material
- Black or bloody stools
- Rigid, board-like abdomen
- High fever with severe abdominal pain
- Abdominal pain with inability to pass gas or stool
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.
Common Causes
Abdominal Pain can have many causes, ranging from minor to serious:
Diagnostic Tests for Abdominal Pain
Abdominal CT Scan
Detailed cross-sectional images of abdominal organs
When used: Acute pain, suspected appendicitis, diverticulitis, or kidney stones
Abdominal Ultrasound
Non-invasive imaging of liver, gallbladder, kidneys, and pelvis
When used: Right upper quadrant pain, suspected gallstones, pelvic pain
Upper Endoscopy (EGD)
Camera exam of esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine
When used: Persistent heartburn, difficulty swallowing, upper GI bleeding
Colonoscopy
Camera exam of entire colon
When used: Lower GI bleeding, change in bowel habits, screening for colon cancer
Blood Tests (CBC, CMP, Lipase)
Evaluate infection, organ function, and pancreatic enzymes
When used: Initial workup for most abdominal pain
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When to See a Doctor
See a doctor for persistent abdominal pain, blood in stool, unintentional weight loss, or fever with abdominal pain. Seek emergency care for sudden severe pain, pain with vomiting blood, rigid abdomen, or pain with high fever.
What to Expect
Evaluation starts with blood tests and often imaging. CT scan is standard for acute abdominal pain in the ER. Ultrasound is first-line for gallbladder and pelvic pain. Endoscopy evaluates upper GI problems; colonoscopy evaluates lower GI concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
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