ABDOMINAL PAIN
PROBLEM
A.Abdominal pain may range from simple gas to appendicitis. Acute pain is pain that has started recently; recurrent pain is present in three or more separate times over at least a 3-month period.
B.It is important that you call if you have pain that lasts 3 hours or longer, have a fever, are vomiting, or if the pain is unusually sharp or intense.
CAUSE
Pain may result from inflammation, poor blood supply, bloating, constipation, or blockage. Gastroenteritis is the most common cause of acute pain, and constipation is the most common cause of chronic pain. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can also cause abdominal pain.
A.Males: Torsion of the testicles or a strangulated inguinal hernia may cause abdominal pain.
B.Females: If you have missed a period or suspect you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider; ectopic pregnancies are a medical emergency.
PREVENTION
The following suggestions can prevent abdominal pain from constipation:
A.Go to the bathroom as soon as you have the urge to have a bowel movement (BM).
B.Establish a regular toilet time, such as after breakfast; 15 to 20 minutes after breakfast is a good time because your gastrointestinal (GI) motility is greatest during that period.
TREATMENT PLAN
Do not take laxatives, use enemas, or take drugs, food, or liquids (including water) until calling your healthcare provider to report suspected abdominal pain and the following:
A.Increased or odd-looking vomit or stools.
B.Hard, swollen abdomen.
C.Lump in scrotum, groin, or lower abdomen.
D.Missed period or suspected pregnancy.
Activity: As tolerated. Abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting, with fever, or that lasts more than 3 hours and makes you stop doing daily activities should be reported.
Diet: Do not eat food or drink liquids until you see a healthcare provider if you have pain with nausea and vomiting, with fever, or pain that lasts longer than 3 hours.
Medications: Narcotic pain medications may or may not be prescribed depending on your physical examination.
You Have Been Prescribed: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Take: ___________________________________________________________
You Need to Notify the Office If You Have:
A.Any change in first symptoms that brought you to the office.
B.Fever higher than ___________ degrees.
C.You are unable to have a BM and unable to pass gas—especially if you have had surgery.
D.Other: ___________________________________________________________
Phone: ____________________________
PATIENT TEACHING GUIDE