Abdominal Pain Treatment

You should consult a doctor for abdominal pain if it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. Mild abdominal pain from indigestion or gas may resolve on its own, but medical attention is needed if you experience:

• Severe or sudden pain: Sharp, intense pain could indicate appendicitis, gallstones, or a serious condition.
• Pain lasting more than 24–48 hours: Persistent discomfort may signal an underlying issue like an infection or inflammation.
• Pain with fever: This could indicate an infection, such as appendicitis or diverticulitis.
• Vomiting or nausea: Especially if vomiting is persistent, contains blood, or is accompanied by dehydration.
• Bloody stools or black, tarry stools: May indicate gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Unexplained weight loss: Could be a sign of a chronic condition like an ulcer, cancer, or digestive disorder.
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain: Can indicate a more serious medical emergency.
• Pain after an injury or accident: Trauma to the abdomen may cause internal bleeding or organ damage.

Abdominal pain can result from various conditions, ranging from minor digestive issues to serious medical conditions. The causes can be categorised into digestive, inflammatory, infectious, and other serious conditions:

1. Digestive causes

• Indigestion: Overeating, spicy foods, or acid reflux can cause discomfort.
• Gas & bloating: Excess gas buildup leads to cramping and pressure.
• Constipation: Hard stools and difficulty passing bowel movements cause pain.
• Food poisoning: Contaminated food can lead to stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
• Intolerances: Some people experience pain after consuming dairy or gluten-containing foods.

2. Inflammatory & chronic conditions

• Appendicitis: Sharp pain in the lower right abdomen that worsens over time.
• Stomach ulcers: Inflammation or sores in the stomach lining cause burning pain.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Chronic cramps, bloating, and irregular bowel movements.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause long-term digestive inflammation.

3. Infections & other medical conditions

• Viral or bacterial infections: Stomach flu, gastroenteritis, or H. pylori infections cause abdominal discomfort.
• Gallstones or gallbladder disease: Sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, often after eating fatty foods.
• Kidney stones: Severe pain in the lower abdomen or back, sometimes with blood in urine.
• Hernia: A bulge in the abdomen that may cause pain when lifting or straining.

4. Gynaecological & urinary causes (in Women)

• Menstrual cramps: Pain before or during menstruation.
• Ovarian cysts or endometriosis: Can cause chronic or sharp abdominal pain.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Painful urination with lower abdominal discomfort.

If abdominal pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms like fever, vomiting, or blood in stools, seeking medical attention is essential.

Abdominal pain can be classified based on location, and duration of the pain. Understanding the type of pain can help identify the possible cause.

Based on location

• Generalised pain: Spread across the abdomen; often caused by indigestion, gas, or infections like gastroenteritis.
• Localised pain: Felt in a specific area; could indicate conditions like appendicitis (lower right abdomen), gallbladder disease (upper right abdomen), or stomach ulcers (upper middle abdomen).
• Lower abdominal pain: Common in urinary tract infections (UTIs), menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Upper abdominal pain: Often linked to acid reflux, gastritis, liver problems, or gallstones.

Based on duration

• Acute pain: Sudden and severe, often due to conditions like appendicitis, kidney stones, or food poisoning.
• Chronic pain: Long-lasting, recurring pain seen in IBS, ulcers, or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
• Progressive pain: Worsens over time, which may indicate a serious issue like cancer or a growing infection.

Abdominal pain in men can sometimes indicate serious underlying conditions, and if left untreated, it may lead to complications such as:

• Appendicitis rupture: If appendicitis is not treated in time, the appendix can burst, causing a life-threatening infection called peritonitis.
• Bowel obstruction: Severe constipation or conditions like Crohn’s disease can block the intestines, leading to intense pain, vomiting, and the need for emergency surgery.
• Kidney stones: Untreated kidney stones can lead to infections, urinary blockages, and kidney damage.
• Hernia strangulation: If an untreated hernia becomes trapped, it can cut off blood supply to tissues, requiring urgent surgery.
• Prostatitis & urinary issues: Infections or inflammation of the prostate can cause abdominal and pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, and long-term bladder problems.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding: Conditions like ulcers or diverticulitis can cause internal bleeding, leading to anaemia, weakness, and potential emergency situations.
• Liver disease: Chronic abdominal pain linked to liver disease, such as cirrhosis or fatty liver, can lead to liver failure if not managed properly.

Abdominal pain in women can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, some of which may lead to serious complications if left untreated. Potential complications include:

• Ruptured ovarian cyst: If an ovarian cyst bursts, it can cause severe pain, internal bleeding, and require emergency treatment.
• Ectopic pregnancy: A fertilised egg implants outside the uterus (usually in the fallopian tube), leading to life-threatening internal bleeding if not treated immediately.
• Endometriosis: Untreated endometriosis can cause chronic pain, infertility, and scar tissue formation.
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): If infections like chlamydia or gonorrhoea spread to the reproductive organs, it can lead to infertility, chronic pain, or an abscess.
• Fibroid degeneration: Large uterine fibroids can outgrow their blood supply, causing severe pain and potential complications in pregnancy.
• Ovarian torsion: A twisted ovary can cut off its blood supply, requiring urgent surgery to prevent tissue death.
• Urinary tract or kidney infections: Untreated UTIs can spread to the kidneys, causing sepsis, kidney damage, or chronic infections.
• Gastrointestinal complications: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, or ulcers can worsen over time, leading to malnutrition or bowel obstruction.

If your abdominal pain is mild and not linked to a serious condition, you can try these home remedies for relief:

• Rest and relax: Lie down in a comfortable position and avoid activities that strain your stomach.
• Drink warm fluids: Herbal teas (like ginger, chamomile, or peppermint) or warm water can help soothe digestion and reduce bloating.
• Use a heating pad: Applying a warm compress or heating pad to your abdomen can ease cramps and muscle tension.
• Eat light: Stick to bland foods like toast, rice, bananas, or applesauce if your stomach is sensitive. Avoid greasy, spicy, or heavy meals.
• Stay hydrated: Sip water or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration, especially if you have diarrhoea or vomiting.
• Light exercise: Light stretching or walking can aid digestion and relieve gas buildup.
• Avoid trigger foods: Reduce caffeine, alcohol, carbonated drinks, and dairy (if lactose intolerant) to prevent worsening symptoms.

Pain on the right side of the stomach can have various causes, ranging from mild to serious. It may be due to gas, constipation, or indigestion, but it can also indicate conditions like appendicitis (sharp pain in the lower right abdomen), gallbladder issues (upper right pain, especially after fatty meals), or kidney stones (pain radiating to the back). In women, ovarian cysts or ectopic pregnancy can also cause right-sided abdominal pain. If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, or bloating, seek medical attention immediately.

Seeing a doctor online for abdominal pain is quick and hassle-free with Hola Health’s 24/7 telehealth services. Here’s how you can get started:

• Visit the Hola Health website or app
• Select “Telehealth Consultations” and choose “See a Doctor Now”
• Pick your consultation type and enter your details
• Make a secure payment to confirm your appointment
• Speak with an AHPRA-accredited health practitioner within 15 minutes
• If necessary, the doctor can provide online prescriptions via SMS, medical certificates, or specialist referrals via email, ensuring you get the care you need without leaving home.

Yes, you can get a medical certificate for abdominal pain from a health practitioner if your condition prevents you from working or attending other commitments. Hola Health offer telehealth services with AHPRA-registered practitioners, who can assess your symptoms and issue a legally valid medical certificate if appropriate. These certificates are emailed directly to you and can be used for work, school, or other official purposes. If needed, you can also request a multi-day medical certificate if your abdominal pain requires extended rest and recovery.

For abdominal pain, you can get online referrals through telehealth platforms like Hola Health, depending on your symptoms and medical needs. A registered online doctor can assess your condition and provide referrals for:

• Specialist referrals: Referral to a specialist can be obtained within minutes.
• Imaging tests: Referrals radiology scans, X-rays to diagnose conditions like gallstones, kidney stones, or appendicitis.
• Pathology tests: Blood tests, stool tests, or urine tests to check for infections, inflammation, or underlying conditions.

Get an online prescription quickly and conveniently through a telehealth appointment with a licensed health practitioner from anywhere, anytime. To request an online prescription:

• Visit the Hola Health website or app
• Select “Request an instant script”
• Choose your consultation type
• Enter your details and complete the payment
• Speak to an online doctor, and if approved, your online scripts will be sent via SMS

Yes, you can speak to a doctor after-hours for abdominal pain through Hola Health’s 24/7 telehealth service. Whether it’s late at night, on weekends, or during public holidays, you can connect with a licensed online doctor from the comfort of your home.

Hola Health can help you manage abdominal pain quickly and conveniently with 24/7 telehealth services from AHPRA-registered doctors. Here’s how:

• Instant online consults: Speak to a qualified GP anytime, from the comfort of your home.
• Valid medical certificates Australia: Request online medical certificates for work, school or carer’s certificate within 15 minutes.
• Legitimate online scripts: If approved, receive prescriptions through SMS within 15 minutes.
• Doctor referrals: For further investigation (like imaging or a specialist), get fast GP referrals online.
• Mental health support: If stress or anxiety is contributing to your symptoms, access online mental health care plans and support.
• Chemist delivery: Have your prescribed medications delivered straight to your door for convenience.

Connect to a registered practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:

• Online GP consultations Australia
• Online scripts within minutes in Australia
• Medical certificates within minutes
• GP referrals 24/7