Abdominal (tummy) Pain A&E leaflet

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What is abdominal (tummy) pain?

Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons people visit the Emergency Department. 

• During your visit, the doctor ruled out any serious conditions that would need hospital treatment. 
• In most cases, no serious cause is found. The pain usually gets better on its own within a few days. 
• If your symptoms get worse or do not improve, please see a doctor. 

What pain relief can I take?

You can take simple painkillers like paracetamol regularly to manage your pain.

The maximum dose is 8 tablets in 24 hours (4 grams a day).

Discuss pain relief with your doctor if: 

• You have liver or kidney problems 
• You take medicine for epilepsy or tuberculosis (TB) 
• You weigh less than 50 kg 
• You regularly drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week. 

If your pain doesn’t get better in a few days, book an appointment with your GP. 

What scans might I need?

Your doctor may have recommended scans such as an ultrasound, CT, or MRI.

• Most of these are arranged by your GP, but you may be asked to return to the hospital in some cases. 
• The results will be sent to the doctor who referred you. 

Ultrasound

• Ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create images of the organs inside your body
• Safe and usually painless
• Often used to look at the:
  • Upper abdomen;liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidneys, spleen, bladder
  • Pelvis: uterus, Ovaries, and womb lining (sometimes using a transvaginal scan)
  • Ultrasound cannot clearly show the stomach or bowel

CT Scan (Computerised Tomography) 

• CT scans use X-rays to take detailed pictures of the body 
• You will lie on a bed that moves through the scanner 
• The scan takes about 15 minutes 
• Sometimes a contrast dye is used to make the images clearer. This will be explained to you beforehand.

MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) 

• MRI scans use strong magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images 
• You will lie inside the scanner and wear headphones to reduce noise 
• Radiographers will monitor you. You’ll have a buzzer to alert them if needed 
• It is important to lie still during the scan 
• Scan length varies depending on the area being looked at 
• You will be asked to fill in a safety form and remove all jewellery beforehand 

Further support

For general medical advice please use the NHS website, the NHS 111 service, walk-in-centres, or your GP. 

The NHS website provides online health information and guidance. 

There are walk-in and urgent treatment services at Brighton Station, Crawley Urgent Treatment Centre, Lewes Victoria Hospital, Horsham Minor Injuries Unit and Bognor Regis War Memorial Hospital.