Abdominal Pain

Reference Number: HEY825/2025
Departments: Emergency Department
Last Updated: 25 November 2025

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Introduction

This leaflet provides general information about your condition and is designed to answer common questions. It is not intended to replace the conversation between you and your healthcare practitioner, but it may serve as a helpful source of additional information.

If you have any questions or concerns after reading this leaflet, please speak with a member of the Hull Emergency Department team caring for you.

You have been assessed by a healthcare practitioner for your abdominal pain. As part of this assessment, you were examined and may have had some tests to help rule out any serious conditions.

Abdominal pain is a very common symptom, and in many cases, the exact cause remains unclear. Fortunately, it usually improves on its own within a few days.

Based on your assessment today, the practitioner has determined that there are no signs of a serious cause and that it is safe for you to be discharged at this time.

Caring for your abdominal pain

If you have been given pain relief by the practitioner, please take it as advised. You can also take simple painkillers regularly, such as paracetamol, to help manage your discomfort.

It is usually best to avoid anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen) unless you have been specifically advised to take them by the practitioner caring for you.

Can there be any complications or risks?

Please return to the Emergency Department or call for an ambulance if you experience any of the following:

Very severe abdominal pain
Pain that spreads to your back
Shoulder pain
Fever or shivering
Vomiting or passing blood from your back passage (rectum)
Fainting or collapsing
Blood in your urine

These symptoms may be a sign of a more serious condition and should be assessed further.

What pain relief can I use?

There are two main types of pain relief that may be used:

Paracetamol: This should be taken regularly, as advised by the practitioner.
Codeine-based medication: This is a stronger type of pain relief and comes in different strengths. It is often combined with paracetamol (co-codamol).

Important: If you are taking a codeine and paracetamol combination (such as co-codamol), do not take any additional paracetamol, as this could lead to an overdose. In addition, codeine can be constipating. If this becomes a problem, you can take over-the-counter laxatives.

If your pain is not well controlled with the medication provided, please contact your GP for further advice or review.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Emergency Medicine Department on: Tel: 01482 482251