b'ChapterAbdominal PainAbdominal pain can often come about from a minor cause such as indigestion, constipation or menstrual cramps. More serious life threatening complications could arise due to an injury to the abdomen such as a ruptured spleen, obstruction, appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, ulcer and food poisoning. Managing a person with abdomen pain is dependent upon the nature of the pain and associated symptoms.How to ManageMake the patient comfortable either half sitting supported by pillowswith knees bent or lying on the side with knees toward the chest.A warm water bottle over the abdomen is often very soothing.Prepare for a possible vomiting episode. You may assist the patient with their prescribed medication.Arrange for medical assistance if:There is any injury involved.There is severe persistent or unrelieved pain.There is severe persistent or unrelieved vomiting.Any vomiting of blood or black coloured material. The patient experiences diarrhoea or passes stools that are black and tarry.The patient is or may be pregnant.232 Common Illness and Ailments'