Abdominal pain

Your doctor may ask the following questions about your abdominal pain:

Is the pain all over (diffuse or generalized) or in a specific location?
What part of the abdomen is affected? Lower or upper? Right, left or middle? Around the navel?
Is the pain severe, sharp or cramping, persistent or constant, periodic and changing intensity over minutes?
Does the pain awaken you at night?
Have you had similar pain in past? How long has each episode lasted?
How often do you have the pain?
Does it occur within minutes following meals? Within 2 to 3 hours after meals?
Is it getting increasingly more severe?
Does it occur during menstruation (dysmenorrhea)?
Does the pain go into your back, middle of the back, below the right shoulder blade, or your groin, buttocks, or legs?
Does the pain get worse after lying on the back?
Does the pain get worse after eating or drinking? After greasy foods, milk products, or alcohol?
Does the pain get worse after stress? After straining efforts?
Does the pain get better after eating or a bowel movement?
Does the pain get better after milk or antacids?
What medications are you taking?
Have you had a recent injury?
Are you pregnant?
What other symptoms are occurring at the same time?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

Prevention:

For prevention of many types of abdominal pain:

Eat small meals more frequently.
Make sure that your meals are well-balanced and high in fiber. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
Limit foods that produce gas.
Drink plenty of water each day.
Exercise regularly.

For prevention of symptoms from heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux disease: