Many things can cause belly (abdominal) pain. Most times, belly pain is not dangerous. Many cases of belly pain can be watched and treated at home. Sometimes, though, belly pain is serious. Your doctor will try to find the cause of your belly pain.

Follow these instructions at home:

Contact a doctor if:

• Your belly pain changes or gets worse.

• You are not hungry, or you lose weight without trying.

• You are having trouble pooping (constipated) or have watery poop (diarrhea) for more than 2–3 days.

• You have pain when you pee or poop.

• Your belly pain wakes you up at night.

• Your pain gets worse with meals, after eating, or with certain foods.

• You are vomiting and cannot keep anything down.

• You have a fever.

• You have blood in your pee.

Get help right away if:

• Your pain does not go away as soon as your doctor says it should.

• You cannot stop vomiting.

• Your pain is only in areas of your belly, such as the right side or the left lower part of the belly.

• You have bloody or black poop, or poop that looks like tar.

• You have very bad pain, cramping, or bloating in your belly.

• You have signs of not having enough fluid or water in your body (dehydration), such as:

  • Dark pee, very little pee, or no pee.

  • Cracked lips.

  • Dry mouth.

  • Sunken eyes.

  • Sleepiness.

  • Weakness.

• You have trouble breathing or chest pain.

Summary

• Many cases of belly pain can be watched and treated at home.

• Watch your belly pain for any changes.

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your doctor.

• Contact a doctor if your belly pain changes or gets worse.

• Get help right away if you have very bad pain, cramping, or bloating in your belly.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.