Abdominal pain in adults
Abdominal pain — pain in the tummy area between the chest and the groin — has a very wide range of possible causes. Most short-lived pain is caused by something minor like indigestion, trapped wind, constipation or a stomach bug and settles within a few days. This section explains the common causes, gives self-care advice, and helps you decide when to get medical help.
Get advice about your symptoms
If you are unwell and unsure what to do, use one of the routes below. They are free and available across the UK, and can direct you to the right service.
- Check your symptoms online at 111.nhs.uk
- Call 111 for free 24-hour advice from NHS 111
- Speak to a pharmacist for advice on minor problems — no appointment needed
- Contact your GP for non-urgent medical problems
Call 999 immediately in a life-threatening emergency — for example loss of consciousness, severe difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe bleeding or a suspected stroke.
What this section covers
- Common causes of tummy pain
- Diarrhoea and vomiting
- High temperature that comes with tummy pain
- Testicular swelling and pain
- Pain relief you can buy without a prescription
Explore this section
Choose a topic from the list below for more detail. Every page on NHS Direct is general information only and is not a substitute for advice from a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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In this section
- Abdominal painAbdominal (tummy) pain — common causes, self-care, warning signs, and when to call 111 or 999.
- DiarrhoeaDiarrhoea — most cases settle in a few days. Self-care with fluids, when to see a GP, and…
- Diarrhoea and vomitingDiarrhoea and vomiting together (stomach bug) — self-care, staying hydrated and when to seek help.
- High temperature with abdominal painHigh temperature with tummy pain — combined warning sign that often needs assessment. What to do.
- Pain relief for tummy pain (paracetamol only)Why paracetamol is preferred over ibuprofen for tummy pain, and safe doses.
- Testicular swelling or painSudden testicular pain can be an emergency. When to go to A&E, and other causes of testicular swelling.
- VomitingVomiting — self-care with sips of fluid, when to see a GP, and warning signs of dehydration.