Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain, commonly known as stomach or belly pain, can be caused by a wide variety of factors, from minor issues like gas or indigestion to more serious medical conditions.

Visit the Emergency Department if you have any of the following:

• Severe persistent abdominal pain.
• Abdominal pain with a high fever.
• Persistent vomiting with inability to keep fluids down.
• Abdominal pain with vomiting blood or passing black stools.
• Persistent pain in the lower right abdomen that could be appendicitis.
• Pain after an injury to the abdomen.
• Abdominal pain with a hard or tense swollen abdomen.
• Abdominal pain with previous complex surgeries.

Visit the GP or Polyclinic if you have any of the following:

• Abdominal pain unrelieved by over-the-counter medication for indigestion or gas.
• Chronic or recurring abdominal pain.

What you can do:

• Over-the-Counter Medications: Antacids can help relieve pain related to indigestion or acid reflux. Products containing simethicone can help with pain caused by gas and bloating. Paracetamol can also relieve pain. 
• Stay Hydrated: Sip and drink clear fluids like water, unsweetened tea, or a sports drink to prevent dehydration, especially if you have been vomiting or have diarrhoea. Avoid surgary drinks and carbonated beverages, which can worsen gas. 
• Rest and Recline: Lie down and try to relax. Sometimes, simply lying in a comfortable position can help relieve muscle tension in the abdomen.
• Try the BRAT Diet: Avoid food for a few hours, then start with bland, easy-to-digest foods like Bananas, Rice, Apples, and Toast. This can help settle your stomach and provide some nutrition without irritation. 
• Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals: Eating large meals can put a strain on your digestive system. Opt for several small, light meals throughout the day to ease the digestive load.
• Avoid Trigger Foods: Pay attention to what you eat and identify foods that seem to worsen your pain. Common triggers include spicy or fatty foods, acidic foods (e.g., tomatoes, citrus fruits), dairy products (if you are lactose intolerant) and gas producing foods (e.g., beans, cabbage, broccoli, lentils)

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