The management of less serious causes of abdominal pain

Abstract

Stomach ache, indigestion and abdominal cramps and pain are symptoms that are frequently reported to a nurse practitioner. However, these broad terms need to be narrowed down in order to understand the precise nature of the patient’s complaint. A detailed medical history are required to determine the probable cause of the problem. Appropriate treatment can then be selected. Certain types of abdominal pain are serious, and require referral to a doctor. Some complaints will even require surgery. Abdominal pain is a common symptom in children, and may often be associated with an infection. Over-the-counter (OTC) treatment is not recommended for abdominal pain if the cause is not known, and patients should be referred to a doctor.