Abdominal Pain Treatment

Treatment for abdominal pain depends on the cause. Pain from mild esophageal reflux, mild constipation, or mild diarrhea may be treated with over-the-counter medications, such as antacids, acid-blockers, and anti-diarrheal agents.

A person with severe abdominal pain caused by a diseased organ inside the abdomen, such as appendicitis or gallstones, may require urgent surgery. This usually requires admission to the hospital for a few days, followed by recuperation at home for a week or two. If a person has moderate to severe pain, but initial tests do not identify a cause, the doctor may decide to observe the person in the office or hospital. If the pain persists, the doctor may perform additional tests, in order to look for the cause of the abdominal pain.

Treatment for abdominal pain may include:

• Rest
• Clear liquid diet
• Medication for pain:
  • Acetaminophen for pain
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for pain:
  • Ibuprofen
  • Naproxen
  • Ketoprofen
• Narcotic pain medication
• Medications for diarrhea:
  • Loperamide
  • Diphenoxylate and Atropine
• Medication for vomiting
• Surgery for abdominal pain:
  • To treat the underlying cause