Abdominal Pain Diagnosis in Spain for Expats & Tourists
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera, MD
Licensed Physician No. 484814280 · Official Medical College of Bizkaia (Spain)
Abdominal pain triaged by video with an English-speaking GP.
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera
Licence No. 484814280 · Urgent, non-emergency care
Common Symptoms
Abdominal pain away from home can be unsettling because it can range from mild indigestion to conditions that need urgent in-person care. Abdominal pain may involve:
- Upper abdominal pain
- Lower abdominal pain
- Cramping
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Pain after food
- Constipation or diarrhoea
Abdominal pain is one of the most common reasons patients seek urgent medical advice. It can be hard to know whether the cause is digestive, urinary, gynaecological, muscular, or something more serious.
You don't have to figure this out alone
Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera is an independent, bilingual GP licensed in Spain. Book a 15-minute video consultation in English or Spanish for €50, with a private electronic prescription issued under Spanish law when clinically appropriate.
How We Treat It
The doctor will assess where the pain is located, when it started, fever, vomiting, bowel changes, urinary symptoms, pregnancy possibility, bleeding, medication use, and whether the pain is worsening. Care may include:
- Outpatient evaluation for dyspepsia-type presentations without alarm features
- Symptom-based triage to identify the likely cause
- Practical guidance while a diagnosis is being clarified
- Direct referral for in-person assessment when the pattern suggests a surgical or urgent cause
Some symptom patterns fit dyspepsia or reflux-type illness, while others suggest appendicitis, gallbladder disease, kidney stones, bowel obstruction, ulcer complications, or gynaecological causes. Difficulty swallowing, weight loss, bleeding, persistent vomiting, or major deterioration require direct in-person assessment.
Clinical Evaluation & Evidence-Based Protocol for Abdominal Pain Diagnosis
During a telemedicine consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera (licensed medical practitioner No. 484814280 at the Official Medical College of Bizkaia), clinical evaluation adheres strictly to evidence-based medical (EBM) standards. The doctor conducts a thorough history, evaluating symptom duration, aggravating factors, prior treatments, and drug allergies to establish an accurate differential diagnosis.
Private Electronic Prescriptions (Receta Médica) Issued Under Spanish Law
When clinically indicated, Dr. Yelamo issues a private electronic prescription (Receta Médica Electrónica Privada) under Spanish law. The digital prescription contains a secure QR verification code accepted at all 22,000+ registered community pharmacies across Spain for immediate medication dispensing.
Itemized Invoices for Travel & Private Health Insurance Reimbursement
After your consultation, you receive an official medical report and an itemized invoice. The invoice shows Dr. Yelamo's licence details and tax ID. You can send it to your travel or private health insurer (such as Bupa, Allianz, Cigna, AXA or a US travel policy) to claim the cost back.
Preparing for Your Online Medical Consultation
Before your appointment, note when your symptoms started and any medicines you have already tried. Have your allergies and your usual prescriptions to hand. For a skin, rash or eye problem, sit in a well-lit room so the doctor can see it clearly.
Clinical Follow-Up & When In-Person Urgencias Are Necessary
Video care works well for common infections, mild sudden symptoms, skin rashes and repeat prescriptions. Some warning signs need emergency care in person: severe shortness of breath, a high fever you cannot bring down, chest pain or a stiff neck. If you have any of them, call 112 in Spain straight away.
When to Seek Immediate In-Person Care
Seek urgent medical attention if you have:
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain
- Rebound pain or a rigid abdomen
- Persistent vomiting
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Fainting or marked weakness
- Fever with significant abdominal pain
- Pregnancy with abdominal pain
- Inability to pass stool or gas with distension
Frequently asked questions
Can abdominal pain be assessed online in Spain?
Initial triage can often begin online, but abdominal pain frequently needs escalation if the pattern suggests a surgical or emergency condition.
How do you know if abdominal pain is serious?
Severe intensity, a worsening course, persistent vomiting, bleeding, fever, pregnancy, or signs of dehydration or collapse all increase urgency.
Can you prescribe treatment online for stomach pain?
Sometimes, if the symptoms fit a non-emergency cause. The doctor must first make sure emergency conditions are unlikely.
Why does my stomach hurt when I cough?
Most often a tummy muscle has been strained by coughing. A hernia, which shows as a bulge that appears when you cough, can also hurt. Pain that gets worse with coughing, walking or bumps in the road can also be a sign of inflammation inside the abdomen, such as appendicitis, especially with fever or vomiting. That needs in-person care.
What causes pain on the right side of the abdomen?
Wind, constipation and muscle strain are common. Upper right pain can come from the gallbladder or liver. Lower right pain can be appendicitis, a kidney stone or, in women, the ovary or an ectopic pregnancy. Severe, worsening pain, fever, vomiting or a positive pregnancy test with pain needs emergency care: call 112 or go to A&E.
What does pain in the upper middle stomach mean?
Pain just under the breastbone (epigastric pain) is usually gastritis, reflux, indigestion or an ulcer, sometimes linked to H. pylori or anti-inflammatory painkillers. Rarely it comes from the heart: call 112 if it comes with chest pressure, sweating, shortness of breath or pain spreading to the arm or jaw.
Online consultations are for urgent, non-emergency care. In a medical emergency call 112 immediately or go to your nearest emergency department.
Every day · 07:30–20:30One named doctor, from first call to follow-up
Book a secure 15-minute video consultation with Dr. Pedro Yelamo Vera for €50. Appointments every day, 07:30–20:30 (Spain time). For urgent, non-emergency care; in an emergency, call 112.
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