Community Health Network

Abdominal Pain - Female
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Anatomy - Gastrointestinal

First Aid - Shock

Definition

Pain or discomfort located between the bottom of the rib cage and the groin crease

General Information

There are multiple causes of abdominal pain. In women the range of diagnoses needs to be broadened to include problems related to pregnancy and the female organs.
The possibility of pregnancy must be considered in all women of childbearing age.
Abdominal pain in the elderly carries with it a higher risk of serious illness.

Top Causes of Abdominal Pain in Women Under 50 Years of Age

Appendicitis
Ectopic pregnancy
Endometriosis
Gallbladder disease
Nonspecific abdominal pain
Ovarian cyst
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Peptic ulcer disease
Spontaneous abortion

Top Causes of Abdominal Pain in Women Over 50 Years of Age

Appendicitis
Bowel obstruction
Diverticulitis
Gallbladder disease
Pancreatitis
Peptic ulcer disease

If not, see these topics

Any CHEST PAIN
ABDOMINAL PAIN, UPPER
CONSTIPATION is the main symptom and abdominal pain is mild
VOMITING is the main symptom and abdominal pain is mild
DIARRHEA is the main symptom and abdominal pain is mild

Should I
Call?

Care at
Home

When to Call Your Doctor

	Call 911 Now (you may need an ambulance) If
	Passed out (fainted) Very weak (can't stand)
	Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If
	You feel weak or very sick Severe pain Constant abdominal pain for more than 2 hours Vomiting blood or black (coffee-grounds) 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 103Â° F (39.4Â° C) or higher Fever of 100.5Â° F (38.1Â° C) or higher and you: Are over 60 years of age OR Have diabetes mellitus or a weakened immune system (e.g., HIV positive, cancer chemotherapy, chronic steroid treatment, splenectomy) OR Are bedridden (e.g., nursing home patient, stroke, chronic illness, recovering from surgery) Whites of the eyes have turned yellow (jaundice)
	Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	You think you need to be seen Moderate or mild pain comes and goes (cramps), but lasts greater than 24 hours Abnormal vaginal discharge (e.g., bad odor; yellow, gray or green in color) Age greater than 60 Pregnant or could be pregnant (e.g., missed last menstrual period) Blood in urine
	Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If
	You have other questions or concerns Abdominal pains are a recurrent problem Pain with sexual intercourse
	Self Care at Home If
	Mild abdominal pain and you don't think you need to be seen

Symptom
Description

Care at
Home

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 gastroenteritis ("stomach flu").
Rest: Lie down and rest until you feel better.
Fluids: Sip clear fluids only (e.g., water, flat soft drinks or 1/2 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 an anti-inflammatory medicine 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 ("stomach flu"), belly cramps may precede each bout of vomiting or diarrhea and may last 2-3 days. With serious causes (such as appendicitis) the pain becomes constant and more 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
- Abdominal pains come and go, and are present for more than 24 hours
- You are pregnant
- You become worse

And remember, contact your doctor if you develop any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Symptom
Description

Should I
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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.

Author and Senior Reviewer: David A. Thompson, M.D.

Last Reviewed: 1/19/2009

Last Revised: 9/22/2007

Content Set: Adult HouseCalls Online