When should you see a doctor about persistent abdominal pain?

Pain may arise from the stomach, bowel, gallbladder, liver, pancreas, urinary tract, reproductive organs or abdominal muscles. It may relate to infection, inflammation, stones, medication or another digestive problem. Persistent abdominal pain can also be a presentation of ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, stomach cancer or small bowel cancer, but pain alone cannot identify the cause. The exact site, pattern and accompanying symptoms guide assessment.

Write down where the pain starts, whether it spreads, what it feels like, what brings it on, and whether food, movement or bowel movements change it. Record appetite, vomiting, stool or urine changes, menstrual symptoms, fever and medicines. Do not rely on repeated self-treatment if symptoms continue. A clinician may examine your abdomen and arrange blood tests, imaging or other investigations; cancer pain management can be discussed when pain is linked to a known cancer.

Seek urgent care for sudden severe pain, a rigid or very tender abdomen, fainting, confusion, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, inability to pass urine or stool, or yellowing of the skin with fever. Prompt review is also appropriate for ongoing bloating, early fullness, unexplained weight change or pain that wakes you repeatedly. People with a current or previous cancer diagnosis should report new persistent pain to their care team.

Ask which causes fit the pain pattern, what tests are appropriate, how to manage symptoms while waiting, and which changes need urgent attention. Ask whether your medicines, medical history or family history alter the evaluation.