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Signs
and Symptoms:
Constipation
- Hard
time passing stool,
not being able to pass
stool, and/ or having
very hard stools
- Straining
to have a bowel movement
- Abdominal
swelling or feeling
of continued fullness
after passing stool
Gastroenteritis
- Abdominal
pain or cramping
- Nausea
and/or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
and/or chills
Lactose
Intolerance
- Abdominal
cramping, pain, bloating
after drinking milk
or eating other dairy
products
- Gas
and diarrhea
Menstrual
Cramps in Females
- Mild
to severe abdominal
pain
- Back
pain, fatigue, and/or
diarrhea
Peptic
Ulcer
- A
gnawing or burning
pain between the breast
bone and navel
- Loss
of appetite and weight
loss
- Nausea
or vomiting dark, red
blook or material that
looks like coffee grounds
- Bloody,
black, or tarry stools
[Go
to Self-Care Prevention]
Still
not sure? Ask yourself
with these questions.
1.
Is the abdominal pain
very severe? Is the pain
so bad that you can't
move or gets a lot worse
when you move?
If yes to
one of these symptoms
described above, please
get immediate care.
If no,
continue on to the
next question.
2.
Are all of these symptoms
of appendicitis present?
- You
have not had your appendix
removed.
- Pain
that usually starts
in the upper part of
the stomach or around
the belly button and
that moves to the lower
right part of the abdomen.
The pain can be sharp
and severe.
- Tenderness
when the right lower
area of the abdomen
is pressed
- Nausea,
vomiting, or no appetite
- Mild
fever
If yes to
one of these symptoms
described above, please
get immediate care.
If no,
continue on to
the next question.
3.
For females, do you have
the following signs and
symptoms of an ectopic
pregnancy or pelvic
inflammatory disease
(PID)?
- You
are sexually active
and have missed one
or more periods or
have vaginal bleeding
you can't explain.
- Cramping
or pain that can be
severe in your lower
abdomen
- sudden
fainting or dizziness
If yes to
one of these symptoms
described above, please
get immediate care.
If no,
continue on to the
next question.
4.
Do you have signs and
symptoms of and acute
kidney infection?
If yes to
one of these symptoms
described above, please
get immediate care.
If no,
continue on to the
next question.
5.
Do you have signs and
symptoms of kidney stones?
- Pain
that started in your
mid back and then moved
to your abdomen or
groin
- Frequent
urination (but you
only pass small amounts
of urine)
- Inability
to urinate except in
certain positions
- Bloody
urine
- Chills
and/or fever
- Nausea
and vomiting
If yes to
one of these symptoms
described above, please
see your doctor.
If no,
continue on to the
next question.
6.
With abdominal pain,
do you have any of these
problems?
- The
whites of your eyes
or your skin looks
yellow.
- A
recent abdominal injury
- Severe
diarrhea
- Constipation
for more than a week
- Lightheadedness
or dizziness
- Sensitive
skin on the abdomen
- Fever
If yes to
one of these symptoms
described above, please
see your doctor.
If no,
continue on to the
next question.
7.
Do you have signs and
symptoms of a bladder
infection?
If yes to
one of these symptoms
described above, please
see your doctor.
If no,
continue on to the
next question.
8.
With abdominal pain,
are any of these conditions
present?
- Constant
belching, nausea, gas,
or gurgling noises
- Worsening
pain when bending over
or lying down
- Possible
pregnancy
- Menstrual
cramps severe enough
to keep you from going
to classes or to work
nearly every month
If yes to
one of these symptoms
described above, please
see your doctor.
If no to
all questions, use
self-care prevention.
Self-Care/
Prevention
To
help ease pain
in general:
- Place
a hot water bottle
or a heating
pad, set on low,
over the area
of pain.
- Find
a comfortable
position. Relax.
- Take
an over-the-counter
medicine for
pain that does
not cause stomach
upset.
- Don't
wear tight-fitting
clothes.
- Don't
do strenuous
exercise.
- Eat
foods as tolerated.
For
constipation:
- Eat
foods high in
fiber: Bran;
whole-grain breads
and cereals;
and fresh fruits
and vegetables.
- Drink
at least 1.5
to 2 quarts of
water and other
liquids every
day. Hot water,
tea, or coffee
may help stimulate
the bowel.
- Get
plenty of exercise.
- Don't
resist the urge
to have a bowel
movement.
- Antacids
and iron supplements
can be binding.
If you get constipated
easily, discuss
the use of these
with your doctor.
- Don't
use "stimulant" laxatives,
such as Exlax,
or enemas without
your doctor's
approval. Long-term
use of them can
make you even
more constipated
and lead to a
mineral imbalance
and reduced nutrient
absorption. If
needed, take
an over-the-counter-bulk
forming laxative,
such as Metamucil.
For
Food Poisoning:
- Wash
your hands and
food preparation
surfaces and
utensils, especially
after handling
raw meat and
eggs.
- Cook
foods a safe
temperature.
Follow product
and/or recipe
directions.
- Refrigerate
perishable foods
promptly. These
include milk,
cheese, meat,
poultry, eggs,
and fish. Refrigerate
leftovers, and
use them within
3 to 4 days.
- Hot
foods should
be kept at or
above 140 degree
fahrenheit. Cold
foods should
be kept at or
below 40 degree
fahrenheit. Carry
items in a thermos
or with a cold
pack, if necessary.
- When
in doubt, throw
it out.
For
Lactose Intolerance:
For
Menstrual Cramps:
- Take
an over-the-counter
medicine for
menstrual cramps.
- Drink
hot tea, (regular,
chamomile, or
mint).
- Hold
a heating pad
or hot water
bottle on your
abdomen or lower
back.
- Take
a warm bath.
- Gently
massage your
abdomen.
- Do
mild exercises,
such as yoga
and walking.
- When
you can, lie
on your back
and support your
knees and with
a pillow.
- Rest.
Avoid stress
as your period
approaches.
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