RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
AdultsAbdominal pain
DATE LAST REVIEWED: 05/11/2026
When to seek further review
- Arrange a GP review if the pain does not go away, keeps coming back, or remains unexplained. Follow any earlier review time agreed at the consultation.
- Get urgent help today for pain that is getting worse, repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration, fever with worsening pain, blood in the poo, or unexpected vaginal bleeding.
- Get urgent advice if pregnant or possibly pregnant and there is tummy pain.
- For an urgent problem that is not life-threatening, NHS 111 may direct you to an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC) rather than a GP appointment. UTCs can assess many minor illnesses and injuries. Services, opening hours and ages treated vary, so call NHS 111 if you are unsure where to go. Do not delay emergency help for any of the emergency signs below.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- If you need medical advice and are unsure which service can help, call NHS 111. This includes when your GP is closed or you cannot get the help you need. NHS 111 can direct you to an appropriate local service. You can call even if you are not sure whether symptoms are serious.
When to get emergency help
(Immediately dial 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department)
- Sudden, severe or unbearable tummy pain, or a swollen, very tender or hard tummy.
- Vomiting blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
- Green vomit.
- A large amount of blood from the bottom, or black, sticky poo.
- Being unable to pee at all, or being unable to poo or pass wind with tummy pain or swelling.
- Severe difficulty breathing, such as gasping or being unable to speak normally.
- New confusion or not making sense when speaking.
- Being very difficult to wake.
- Collapse or loss of consciousness.
- Blue, grey, unusually pale or blotchy skin or lips, especially when feeling very unwell.
How to spot sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection. It can get worse quickly. If someone is seriously unwell and may have sepsis, call 999 or go to your nearest Emergency Department. Do not wait for every sign, a high temperature or a rash.
An unwell child under 5 who has not had a pee or wet nappy for 12 hours needs emergency assessment. If you are unsure and there are no emergency signs, call NHS 111 for advice.
Sources
- NHS - Abdominal painhttps://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/stomach-ache/
- NHS - When to go to an Urgent Treatment Centrehttps://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-visit-an-urgent-treatment-centre/
- NHS - Sepsishttps://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/
- NHS - When to use NHS 111https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/when-to-use-111/