RFSymptoms: Safety netting advice
ChildrenAbdominal pain
DATE LAST REVIEWED: 05/11/2026
When to seek further review
- Get urgent advice today if tummy pain is not settling, is becoming worse, keeps returning, or stops normal activity.
- Get urgent help if the pain moves to the lower right side, there is repeated vomiting, poor drinking, fewer wet nappies or less pee, or fever with worsening pain.
- Do not assume tummy pain in a boy is only a stomach problem: ask about pain or swelling in the testicles. Sudden testicle pain needs emergency assessment.
- Do not wait for the suggested review time if symptoms become worse, new symptoms appear, or you are worried.
- Contact your GP when the surgery is open. If it is closed, you cannot get the help you need, or you are unsure what to do, call NHS 111. You can call even if you are not sure whether the 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, pauses in breathing, grunting, or the skin pulling in deeply under or between the ribs.
- Being very difficult to wake or unresponsive.
- Being unusually floppy, confused or not responding as usual.
- Blue, grey, very pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue.
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.
