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uk Health & medical scares sudden abdominal pain • new worsening tummy pain • severe stomach ache sudden • sharp belly pain started today • constant abdominal pain getting worse • abdominal pain with vomiting • abdominal pain with fever • pain when touching stomach • bloated tender abdomen • abdominal pain and black stools • abdominal pain and blood in stool • abdominal pain and faintness • abdominal pain and dizziness • abdominal pain and can’t pee • abdominal pain and can’t pass gas • possible appendicitis symptoms • possible gallbladder pain • possible kidney stone pain • abdominal pain pregnancy possible • lower tummy pain sudden

What to do if…
you have sudden abdominal pain that is new and worsening

Short answer

Treat new, worsening abdominal pain as urgent. If it’s severe, came on suddenly, or you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E now.

Do not do these things

  • Do not “wait it out” if the pain is getting worse, severe, or different from anything you’ve had before.
  • Do not take laxatives or try to “force a bowel movement” to relieve the pain.
  • Do not drink alcohol, and avoid heavy meals while you’re trying to get assessed.
  • Do not take anti-inflammatory painkillers (like ibuprofen/aspirin) unless a clinician has told you to — they can worsen some causes of bleeding/irritation.
  • Do not drive yourself to A&E if you feel faint, very weak, confused, or the pain is severe — get help.
  • Do not let embarrassment stop you: sudden abdominal pain is a common reason for urgent care.

What to do now

  1. Decide the safest route to urgent help (use symptoms, not guesswork).
    Call 999 or go to A&E now if any apply:
    • pain is severe or came on very suddenly
    • it hurts when you touch your stomach, or your belly feels rigid/hard
    • you faint/collapse, feel very dizzy/confused, or are clammy
    • you cannot breathe or have chest pain
    • you’re vomiting blood, or vomit looks like coffee grounds
    • you have black, sticky stools or blood in stool
    • you cannot pee
    • you cannot poo or pass wind and the pain/bloating is worsening
    • you have diabetes and you’re vomiting or can’t keep fluids down
  2. If it’s urgent but not immediately life-threatening, use the right urgent-care service for where you are.
    • England: call 111 (free). 111 online is England-only.
    • Scotland: call 111 (NHS 24).
    • Wales: call 111 (NHS 111 Wales).
    • Northern Ireland: use nidirect for illness advice and contact your GP out-of-hours service if your GP is closed.
      If you’re told to be seen urgently, follow that advice promptly.
  3. If pregnancy is possible, treat this as higher risk.
    If you could be pregnant, do a home pregnancy test now if you can do it quickly. If it’s positive, or you have vaginal bleeding, shoulder pain, or feel faint/collapse, seek urgent medical care immediately (999/A&E).
  4. If the pain is significant/worsening (or you’re vomiting), avoid eating for now.
    It’s often safest to avoid food and take only small sips of water if you need them, until you’ve spoken to a clinician, in case you need scans, sedation, or surgery.
  5. Make it easy for clinicians to help you quickly.
    Write down (or message someone) these points:
    • when it started and how quickly it worsened
    • exact location (centre, right/left, upper/lower), and whether it moves
    • vomiting/diarrhoea/constipation, fever/shivers, urinary symptoms, bleeding
    • any injury, recent travel, recent antibiotics, or recent surgery
    • your medications (including painkillers), allergies, and relevant conditions
  6. Get someone with you if possible.
    Ask a friend/relative/neighbour to stay, or at least to be “on call.” If you’re going to A&E, take your phone charger, ID, and a list of meds.
  7. If you’re waiting for help and you suddenly worsen, escalate immediately.
    If you become faint, confused, short of breath, develop heavy bleeding, or the pain becomes unbearable: call 999.

What can wait

  • You do not need to work out the cause (appendix, gallbladder, infection, etc.) right now.
  • You do not need to finish work, childcare plans, or chores before seeking help.
  • You do not need to “prove it’s serious” by waiting for more symptoms.
  • You do not need to decide today about tests or treatments beyond getting assessed.

Important reassurance

New, worsening abdominal pain is frightening — and it’s reasonable to seek urgent help even if you’re unsure. Getting assessed early is often the safest way to rule out time-sensitive problems and relieve the uncertainty.

Scope note

This is first-steps guidance for the first hours. After you’re assessed, follow the plan you’re given and return promptly if symptoms worsen or change.

Important note

This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 999 or go to A&E.

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