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What to do if…
you have sudden abdominal pain that is new and worsening

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy USA guide

Short answer

New abdominal pain that is worsening should be treated as urgent. If the pain is severe, came on suddenly, or you feel very unwell, call 911 or go to an emergency department now.

Do not do these things

  • Do not keep waiting if the pain is getting worse, severe, sudden, or not like pain you have had before.
  • Do not take laxatives, use an enema, or try to force a bowel movement.
  • Do not drink alcohol or eat a large meal to “test” whether it settles.
  • Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, laxatives, or other medicine for this unless a clinician or pharmacist says it is safe for you.
  • Do not drive yourself if you are dizzy, faint, confused, very weak, short of breath, or in severe pain.
  • Do not assume urgent care is enough if you have red flags; some clinics may not be able to provide the tests or treatment you need.

What to do now

  1. Call 911 now if there are emergency red flags.
    Call 911, or have someone call, if you have abdominal pain with:

    • severe pain or pain that came on suddenly
    • chest, neck, shoulder, or shoulder-blade pain
    • trouble breathing, confusion, fainting, or feeling like you may pass out
    • recent injury or trauma, such as a fall, crash, or hit to the abdomen
    • vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
    • black, tarry stool or blood in stool
    • a swollen, very tender, rigid, or hard abdomen
    • fever with severe or worsening pain
    • inability to pass stool or gas, especially with vomiting
    • very little urination, clammy skin, or extreme weakness

  2. If it is not a 911 situation but the pain is new and worsening, get urgent medical assessment today.
    Go to an emergency department, or call your clinician’s urgent line if you can reach them immediately. New worsening abdominal pain can need tests such as blood tests, urine tests, ultrasound, CT scan, or other urgent assessment.

  3. If pregnancy is possible, say this clearly when you call or arrive.
    If a home pregnancy test is immediately available and does not delay care, take it. If it is positive, or if you have vaginal bleeding, shoulder pain, dizziness, fainting, or severe lower abdominal or pelvic pain, seek emergency care now.

  4. Avoid solid food for now if the pain is significant, worsening, or you are vomiting.
    Take small sips of water if you need to and can keep it down. Wait for a clinician to tell you what is safe to eat or drink.

  5. Write down the key details before or during the trip.
    Note when the pain started, whether it was sudden or gradual, where it hurts, whether it moves to your back, shoulder, or groin, and whether you have vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, fever, urinary symptoms, vaginal bleeding, black stool, or blood in stool.

  6. Bring the basics with you.
    Bring ID, insurance information if you have it, your medication list, allergies, major medical conditions, past abdominal surgeries, and the date of your last menstrual period if relevant.

  7. Escalate while waiting if you worsen.
    If you develop fainting, confusion, trouble breathing, chest pain, heavy bleeding, repeated vomiting, or rapidly worsening pain, call 911.

What can wait

  • You do not need to diagnose yourself or decide whether it is appendix, gallbladder, kidney stone, bowel obstruction, food poisoning, or something else.
  • You do not need to finish work, chores, travel, or errands before being assessed.
  • You do not need to choose the perfect facility if you are getting worse; the priority is safe, prompt medical assessment.
  • You do not need to explain everything perfectly. Start with “new abdominal pain that is getting worse” and the most worrying symptoms.

Important reassurance

Abdominal pain can be hard to describe, and it is common to wonder whether you are overreacting. New, worsening abdominal pain is a valid reason to seek urgent medical help, especially when it is severe, sudden, or comes with other symptoms.

Scope note

These are first steps for the first hours only. Later decisions, test results, treatment options, discharge instructions, or follow-up plans may need help from an emergency clinician, your regular clinician, or a relevant specialist.

Important note

This guide is general information, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or professional care. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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