What should I do if I have persistent abdominal pain?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Persistent abdominal pain should not be ignored. Ongoing or recurring stomach pain can signal a range of conditions—from digestive issues like IBS or ulcers to more serious concerns such as gallstones, appendicitis, or infections. A doctor can perform the necessary exams and tests to identify the underlying cause and recommend the right treatment plan.

Before your appointment, it helps to understand what your symptoms could mean. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you narrow down possible causes, prepare better questions for your doctor, and decide how urgently you should seek care. It's a fast, private, and informed first step toward getting answers.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Learn what’s causing persistent abdominal pain See if your abdominal pain needs care Discover whether abdominal pain signals something serious Find OTC relief for persistent abdominal pain Find a doctor for abdominal pain Discover home remedies for persistent abdominal pain Understand if persistent abdominal pain needs urgent care

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Explanation

Persistent abdominal pain can be caused by many different things, so it's important to see a doctor to figure out what's wrong. Here's what you can do:

Check Your Symptoms: Before your appointment, try Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to help identify possible causes and prepare better questions for your doctor visit.
Tests and Exams: The doctor might do some tests, like blood tests or imaging tests, to learn more about what's causing the pain.
Treatment Plan: Once the cause is known, the doctor will suggest ways to help you feel better. This might include medicine, changes in your diet, or other treatments.

Remember, it's important to talk to a doctor if your pain doesn't go away or if it gets worse. They can help you find the best way to feel better and stay healthy.

(References)

Yew KS, George MK, & Allred HB. (2023). Acute Abdominal Pain in Adults: Evaluation and Diagnosis. American family physician, 37327158.
Sabo CM, Grad S, & Dumitrascu DL. (2021). Chronic Abdominal Pain in General Practice. Digestive diseases (Basel, Switzerland), 33631744.
Govender I, Rangiah S, Bongongo T, & Mahuma P. (2021). A Primary Care Approach to Abdominal Pain in Adults. South African family practice : official journal of the South African Academy of Family Practice/Primary Care, 33764143.

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