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Causes of Abdominal Pain
Learning to Identify Abdominal Pain Emergencies

By Rod Brouhard, About.com

Updated March 09, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Abdominal pain is one of the most difficult symptoms to identify a cause. The causes of abdominal pain listed below range from relatively minor conditions to life-threatening emergencies.

When to Call 911 for Abdominal Pain

It's important to call 911 when certain signs and symptoms accompany abdominal pain, regardless of the cause. If a victim of abdominal pain is also experiencing any of the following, call 911:
  • sudden, severe onset of abdominal pain
  • vomiting blood
  • bloody diarrhea
  • neck, chest, or shoulder pain
  • rigid (hard) and tender abdomen
  • not able to have a bowel movement, especially with vomiting
  • pain between shoulder blades
  • dizziness
  • weakness
  • sweating
  • confusion

Abdominal Pain Causes

Here are links to potential causes of abdominal pain; this list is by no means exhaustive. To add additional items or to ask questions about different causes of abdominal pain, email me.
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