All adults occasionally experience abdominal pain or pain in the stomach and/or intestinal area that goes away on its own. However, sometimes abdominal pain can be an indication of a more serious problem (e.g. appendicitis). So it’s important to know when to seek help.

Common causes of adult abdominal pain:

• Constipation, diarrhea, or gas
• GERD (movement of stomach acid into the esophagus)
• Peptic ulcer (a sore in the lining of the stomach or small intestine) Inflammation of the gallbladder or pancreas
• Gallstones or kidney stones
• Herina (bulging of an internal organ through a muscle or other tissue) Urinary tract infections
• In woman, menstrual cramps, fibroids, or endometriosis of the uterus

Abdominal pain can have many causes, so it is important to have it evaluated by your doctor. Be prepared to give details about your pain: where and when you feel it, what makes if feel better or worse, and if you have any other symptoms like fever, tiredness, nausea, vomiting or changes in bathroom habits. Certain pain needs emergency treatment, like appendicitis or a bowel obstruction. Other problems can be treated with rest, fluids or medications.

If you experience vomiting or diarrhea, sip water or other clear fluids. Then, when you are ready to return to solid foods, start with small amounts of easy-­‐to-­‐digest foods, such as applesauce, toast or crackers.

Call 911 -OR- Go to the hospital immediately if you:

• Can’t pass stool and/or are vomiting blood
• Also have chest, neck or shoulder pain
• Have pain in your shoulder blades with nausea
• Have sudden, excruciating abdominal pain
• Have new pain unlike any you have felt before (Pain scale is above an 8 out of 10)
• Have a belly that is rigid, hard and tender to the touch