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Published on: 4/7/2025

When Should I Seek Medical Attention for Severe Abdominal Pain?

Seek medical help if your abdominal pain is severe, persists for several hours, or is accompanied by significant symptoms such as fever or vomiting.

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Explanation

Severe abdominal pain may signal a serious medical condition requiring immediate attention. If the pain is intense enough to interfere with your daily activities or worsens within hours, seek medical help immediately. Additional warning signs that require immediate medical attention include high fever, persistent vomiting, or blood in your stool or vomit. If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, confusion, or a swollen and tender abdomen alongside the pain, these may indicate a serious condition that needs prompt medical evaluation. Your health matters, and your body signals when something isn't right. Rather than wait, it's wise to have a healthcare professional evaluate your symptoms and determine if you need treatment.

(References)

  • https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK412/
  • Guthrie E, Thompson D. Abdominal pain and functional gastrointestinal disorders. BMJ. 2002 Sep 28;325(7366):701-3. PMID: 12351366; PMCID: PMC1124226.

  • Yew KS, George MK, Allred HB. Acute Abdominal Pain in Adults: Evaluation and Diagnosis. Am Fam Physician. 2023 Jun;107(6):585-596. PMID: 37327158.

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