ABDOMINAL PAIN( ADULTS) 121
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW You may have kidney stones, especially if you have been vomiting.
• Drink plenty of fluids to flush the stones into the urine.
• Save any urine you pass, particularly if you pass a stone.
• Take acetaminophen to relieve discomfort.
What kind of pain have you been experiencing?
Pain that starts in the back and may move to the groin
Pain in the center of the upper abdomen
Pain in the upper right abdomen that may spread to the back
Pain mainly below the waist
None of the above
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS if you cannot identify a possible cause for your abdominal pain from this chart.
Do any of the following apply?
Pain is related to eating
Pain is relieved by antacids
Pain comes on when lying or bending over
None of the above
Do you have either of the following?
Pain when urinating
Urinating more often than usual
Neither
Are you female or male?
Female
Male
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have nonulcer dyspepsia( a recurrent and persistent form of indigestion) or gastroesophageal reflux, in which acid from the stomach is regurgitated into the esophagus.
• Eat small meals at regular intervals.
• Avoid eating shortly before going to bed.
• Reduce your intake of alcohol, coffee, and tea.
• If you smoke, stop.
ACTION
GO TO ANOTHER CHART Chest pain, p. 134
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS You may have cystitis or a urine infection that has spread to one or both kidneys.
• For both conditions, take an analgesic such as acetaminophen.
• Drink 1 pint( 500 ml) of fluid every hour for 4 hours.
• Drinking cranberry juice may relieve the burning sensation.
ACTION
GO TO ANOTHER CHART Abdominal pain( women), p. 122