$Unique_ID{BRK01672}
$Pretitle{Digestive System}
$Title{Does Stomach Ache Always Mean Surgery?}
$Subject{tummy ache causes treatment}
$Volume{I-10}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Does Stomach Ache Always Mean Surgery?


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QUESTION:  When I get a tummy ache, I am torn with anxiety as well as the pain
as I am never sure just what I should do?  Do you think it is necessary to
call a doctor, or is it safe to wait a bit?  I dread the thought of surgery.
Does this condition always mean surgery?

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ANSWER:  Most tummy aches are not serious and will clear up often on their own
without either your physician of yourself ever being quite sure of the cause.
There are so many conditions ranging from excess gas production with cramping
to severe stomach ulcers, which can produce belly pain.  One general good rule
to follow is to always have yourself examined for any pain that persists more
than 24 to 48 hours.  If this is accompanied by mild symptoms of nausea,
vomiting and diarrhea, the odds are that this is a virus and will resolve on
its own.  Should a high fever exist with continuous vomiting and severe
abdominal pain, you should immediately seek medical attention because this
could be a surgical condition.
     Vomiting blood or passing blood in your bowel movements is never
something you can ignore.  Sometimes when blood from your stomach passes
through the small part of your intestine, it has time to change color from its
normal red to black.  A bowel movement that becomes black like tar is also a
sign of bleeding and needs immediate medical attention.  Remember!  Mild tummy
aches pain may resolve in 1 to 2 days.  For more severe or persistent pain,
fever, or prolonged vomiting, you should seek immediate help.  While surgery
is not always needed, delaying medical attention, may allow the situation to
get out of hand, requiring surgery that may have been avoided.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
