ABDOMINAL PAIN, UPPER


Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

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WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR ABDOMINAL PAIN, UPPER

Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If

  • Passed out (fainted)
  • Very weak (can't stand)
  • Visible sweat on face or sweat is dripping down your face
  • Pain lasting more than 5 minutes and any of the following:
    • History of heart disease (e.g.. heart attack, bypass surgery, angina, angioplasty)
    • Over 50 years old
    • Over 35 years old and you have at least one cardiac risk factor  (i.e. hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, smoker or strong family history of heart disease)

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

  • You feel weak or very sick
  • Severe pain
  • Constant abdominal pain for more than 2 hours
  • Vomit contains blood or black ("coffee grounds"-like) material
  • Vomiting bile (bright yellow or green)
  • Vomiting and abdomen is more swollen than usual
  • Blood in bowel movements (black/tarry or red)
  • Recent injury to the abdomen
  • Fever of 103 F (39.4 C) or higher
  • Fever of 100.5 F (38.1 C) or higher and you:
  • Are over 60 years of age:
    • Have diabetes mellitus or a weakened immune system (e.g. HIV positive, cancer chemotherapy, chronic steroid treatment, splenectomy)
    • Are bedridden (e.g. nursing home patient, stroke, chronic illness, recovering from surgery)
  • Whites of the eyes have turned yellow (jaundice)
  • Pregnant

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

  • You think you need to be seen
  • Mild pain comes and goes (cramps), but lasts greater than 24 hours
  • Over 60 years old

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

  • You have other questions or concerns
  • Abdominal pains are a recurrent problem
  • Intermittent burning pains radiating into chest or sour taste in mouth
  • Abdominal pains regularly occur about 1 hour after meals

Self Care at Home If

  • Mild upper abdominal pain and you don't think you need to be seen

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.

Adult SelfCareNavigator. Copyright © 2000-2004 David Thompson, M.D. FACEP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2002

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