ABDOMINAL PAIN, FEMALE

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD ABDOMINAL PAIN

Reassurance: A mild stomachache can be caused by indigestion, gas pains or overeating. Sometimes a stomachache signals the onset of a vomiting illness due to a viral infection (viral gastritis).
Rest: Lie down and rest until feeling better.
Fluids: Sip clear fluids only (e.g. water, flat soft drinks or ½ strength fruit juice) until the pain has been gone for over 2 hours. Then slowly return to a regular diet.
Diet:
- Slowly advance diet from clear liquids to a bland diet
- Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages
- Avoid greasy or fatty foods.
Pass A BM: Sit on the toilet and try to pass a bowel movement (BM). Do not strain. This may relieve the pain if it is due to constipation or impending diarrhea.
Avoid Medicines: Any drug could irritate the stomach lining and make the pain worse, especially anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Do not take any pain medicines, fever medicines or laxatives for stomach cramps.
Expected Course: With harmless causes, the pain is usually better or goes away within 2 hours. With viral gastroenteritis, belly cramps may precede each bout of vomiting or diarrhea. With serious causes (such as appendicitis) the pain becomes constant and severe.
Pregnancy test, when in doubt! If there is any possibility of pregnancy, obtain and use a urine pregnancy test from the local drug store. Follow the instructions included in the package.
Call Your Doctor If:
- Abdominal pain is constant and present for more than 2 hours
- You are pregnant
- You become worse or develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2003

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