Non-Specific Abdominal Pain
Date issued: May 2026
Review date: May 2028
Leaflet section: Gastroenterology
PDF: Non-Specific Abdominal Pain.pdf [pdf] 169KB
What is non-specific abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons people attend the Surgical Assessment Unit. After assessment, blood tests, scans and examination, some patients are found to have non-specific abdominal pain (NSAP).
This means:
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You have abdominal pain, but
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No serious or specific cause has been identified at this time.
This is common and does not mean your symptoms are being dismissed. Many causes of abdominal pain improve on their own over time.
Research shows that around 1 in 4 to 1 in 3 patients attending hospital with abdominal pain may leave without a clear diagnosis, even after careful assessment.
Why can abdominal pain be difficult to diagnose?
Abdominal pain can be caused by many different conditions. In the early stages of illness, symptoms and test results may be unclear or appear normal.
Sometimes pain settles naturally within a few days. Occasionally, symptoms change over time, and a clearer diagnosis becomes apparent later.
For this reason, it is important to monitor your symptoms after leaving hospital.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Seek urgent medical advice immediately if you develop:
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Severe or worsening abdominal pain
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Pain that becomes constant or localised to one area
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Fever or shivering
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Persistent vomiting
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Inability to keep fluids down
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Blood in vomit, urine or stools
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Black or tarry stools
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Swollen or hard abdomen
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Difficulty breathing or chest pain
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Dizziness, fainting or collapse
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Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
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Pain when passing urine or inability to pass urine
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New vaginal bleeding or severe pelvic pain
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If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant and develop worsening pain
Trust your instincts — if you feel significantly worse, seek medical help.
Looking after yourself at home
Most cases of non-specific abdominal pain improve within a few days.
Pain relief
You may take:
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Paracetamol as directed on the packet
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Your usual prescribed pain relief if advised by your clinician
Avoid taking more than the recommended dose.
Fluids
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Drink plenty of water
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Take small sips regularly if you feel nauseated
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Avoid excessive alcohol
Food
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Eat light meals initially
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Avoid rich, fatty or spicy foods if these worsen symptoms
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Return gradually to your normal diet as symptoms improve
Rest
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Gentle activity is encouraged
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Rest if needed
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Avoid strenuous exercise until you feel better
Follow-up
If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, or continue to return, please contact:
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Your GP
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Your specialist team (if applicable)
Some patients may require further investigations as outpatients.
Frequently asked questions
Does this mean nothing is wrong?
No. It means that no serious cause has been identified during your hospital assessment. Many conditions become clearer over time.
Will I need more tests?
Not always. Many people recover fully without further treatment. However, some patients may require additional investigations if symptoms continue.
Can I work or go to school?
Yes, if you feel well enough. Rest if symptoms worsen.
When to seek help
Call 999 if you have:
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Severe chest pain
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Difficulty breathing
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Collapse or loss of consciousness
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Sudden severe abdominal pain with sweating or fainting
Contact NHS 111 or seek urgent medical review if:
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Your pain is worsening
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You cannot eat or drink
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You develop fever or vomiting
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You are concerned about your symptoms
Useful contacts
Surgical Assessment Unit 01752 433076
Dial 111 or visit the NHS website for urgent medical advice.
Important information
This leaflet is intended as general guidance only and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional.
If you are worried about your symptoms, seek medical advice.
Other formats
If you need this leaflet in another format such as Braille, large print, high contrast, British Sign Language or translated into another language, contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS):
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01752 439694
