If a customer presents with abdominal cramps

Abdominal cramps and pain are a commonly reported gastrointestinal complaint. However due to the general nature of these symptoms there can be confusion among customers who may lack "condition specific" vocabulary to describe their symptoms.

Words customers may use to describe their pain:

• "Stabbing"
• "Cramping"
• "Sharp"
• "Colicky"

Key questions to ask

• What symptoms are you suffering from?
• How often do you experience these symptoms?
• For how long have you been experiencing these attacks?
• How long do the attacks last?

When to refer

Given the broad nature of abdominal pain, there are many situations where referral may be necessary, including:

• Abdominal discomfort lasting longer than a week
• Suspected irritable bowel syndrome
• Pain becoming more frequent and more severe
• Sudden, sharp abdominal pain
• Recent injury to the abdominal area
• Fever
• Rigid abdomen, tender to the touch
• Vomiting blood or blood in stools
• Unable to empty bowels, especially if vomiting
• Prolonged poor appetite
• Unexplained weight loss
• Pregnant or possibility of pregnancy
• Family history of cancer or inflammatory bowel disease

If any alarm symptoms are identified or symptoms are experienced on a frequent or permanent basis it may indicate a more serious problem that would require further investigation from a GP.

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