Abdominal Pain: When to Call a Doctor

Where it comes from

Your abdomen runs from below your chest to your groin. Some people call it the stomach, but it holds many other important organs, and pain can come from any of them. Pain can also start elsewhere, such as in your chest.

How bad isn't how serious

• Severe pain doesn't always mean a serious problem.
• Mild pain doesn't mean a problem isn't serious.

Call your health care provider if

• mild pain lasts a week or more; or
• you have pain with other symptoms.

Get medical help right away if

• the pain is sudden and sharp;
• you also have pain in your chest, neck or shoulder;
• you're vomiting blood or have blood in your stool;
• your abdomen is stiff, hard and tender to touch;
• you can't move your bowels, especially if you're also vomiting.

Sources

Based on the MedlinePlus health topic "Abdominal Pain," National Library of Medicine; a work of the United States government in the public domain.