Skip to content

First aid · Australia

Abdominal pain

Severe abdominal pain needs immediate emergency-department care or an ambulance on 000. Pain that worsens, persists for hours or comes with repeated vomiting, bleeding or fever also needs urgent assessment.

Medical emergency? Call 000

What to do

  1. Rest and check symptoms

    Help the person rest comfortably. Check how suddenly the pain began and whether it is worsening.

    Take care. Do not diagnose the cause from the location of pain alone.

  2. Arrange urgent care when needed

    Get urgent care for severe pain or warning signs. Tell the clinician where it hurts, when it started and any associated symptoms.

  3. Mild pain with a known cause

    For mild pain with a known cause and no warning signs, rest and sip clear fluids. Ask a pharmacist about suitable treatment.

    Take care. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen for unexplained abdominal pain; they can irritate the stomach or bowel.

Know when to act

When to get help

  • Call 000 for severe pain, collapse, breathing difficulty or possible heart-attack symptoms.
  • Urgent assessment is needed with persistent vomiting, blood, inability to pass urine or gas, fever or marked swelling.

Keep checking

  • Recurrent or worsening pain needs medical review. During pregnancy, contact your doctor or midwife about abdominal pain.

Sources and last update

Content updated: 6 September 2026.

These sources inform the guidance. This independent resource is not a substitute for a first aid course or medical assessment. An editorial update is not independent clinical review. Source organisations have not endorsed this site.

Full source register