How To Prevent Stomach Cramps
Not all stomach pain can be prevented. But you may be able to reduce your chances of getting stomach cramps by:
- Washing your hands before you prepare and eat food
- Avoiding overeating and, if possible, refraining from eating right before bed or a workout
- Staying hydrated and eating foods high in fiber
- Checking expiration dates and tossing food thats not fresh
- Avoiding foods you know you have a sensitivity to
Treatments For An Upset Stomach
Drink plenty of liquids, but do so in small amounts water is a good choice. Sports drinks and coconut water help replenish electrolytes, which can help if you experience vomiting. Try clear, carbonated, and caffeine-free beverages such as tonic water, club soda, or ginger ale. Teas containing peppermint, chamomile, or ginger may help settle an upset stomach.
Eat bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and white bread. Soup, broth, or bullion are good options if you do not have an appetite, or if you have trouble keeping solid food down. Avoid dairy and whole grains, as well as rich, spicy, greasy, and fatty foods.
Other things that can help treat an upset stomach:
- Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and caffeinated beverages.
- Over-the-counter antacids can help relieve an upset stomach.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing, especially pants.
- Sit upright and avoid lying down or bending over at the waist.
What Can I Drink To Ease Stomach Pain
Here are some beverages that work as natural remedies for stomach problems.
Water
Its important to stay well hydrated if you have an upset stomach, especially if you have symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting, which can quickly lead to dehydration.
Coconut water
It contains nutrients like magnesium and potassium that help to reduce stomach contractions, muscle spasms, and stomach pain. Coconut water is a better option for rehydration than sports drinks and carbonated beverages because it is low in sugar and calories and does not cause acidity. You can try sipping a glass of coconut water every 2-3 hours to ease symptoms of an upset stomach.
Milk
If you have a feeling of burning or tightness in the lower chest, it could be due to acid reflux. One of the natural remedies that can work for this symptom is drinking a glass of milk. Milk neutralizes the stomach acid and relieves stomach aches. However, this may not be a good idea for people who have lactose intolerance.
Ginger tea
You can buy ginger tea from a supermarket or make it at home by boiling fresh ginger root in water. Ginger chews can help reduce nausea, stomach ache, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ginger supplements are available over the counter as well. Note that ginger ale is best avoided because it contains sugar that can feed the bad bacteria.
Peppermint tea
Aloe vera juice
Apple cider vinegar
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What Are The Possible Complications Of Peptic Ulcer Disease
An ulcer left untreated may cause serious complications, including:
- Internal bleeding: While most people with ulcers wont have bleeding, this is the most common complication that can occur. A slow bleeding ulcer can cause anemia or even severe blood loss.
- Perforation: An ulcer that is continuously eroded by acid can eventually become a hole in the stomach or intestinal wall. This is intensely painful and also dangerous. It allows bacteria from the digestive tract to enter the abdominal cavity, which can lead to an infection of the abdominal cavity called peritonitis. From there, the infection is at risk of spreading to the rest of the body . This can lead to a life-threatening condition called .
- Obstruction: An ulcer in the pyloric channel, the narrow passageway that leads from the stomach into the duodenum, can become an obstruction that blocks the flow of food into the small intestine. This can happen after the ulcer has healed. Ulcers that have gone through a healing process may build up scar tissue that enlarges them. An ulcer that is big enough to obstruct the small intestine can stall the digestive process, with numerous side effects.
- Stomach cancer: Some gastric ulcers can become malignant over time. This is more likely when your ulcer is caused by H. pylori infection. H. pylori is a contributing cause of gastric cancer, though fortunately, this is uncommon.
Types Of Abdominal Pain
Not all abdominal pain is the same. For example, if youre experiencing acute abdominal pain, youve most likely only been dealing with the discomfort for about a week, maybe less.
Chronic abdominal pain, on the other hand, is pain thats constant or recurring. It lasts for a period of 3 months or longer.
Since there are a number of gastrointestinal and systemic disorders that lead to abdominal pain, doctors and healthcare professionals sometimes have a hard time understanding the root cause of the pain.
Progressive abdominal pain is pain that gets worse over time. Typically other symptoms occur as the abdominal pain progresses. Progressive abdominal pain is often a sign of something more serious. Read on to learn more about the different types of abdominal pain, including what and where the pain occurs and potential causes.
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Gastrointestinal Complications Of Hiv Disease
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract are common among those who are HIV-infected. Sometimes the first clue that a previously undiagnosed inmate/patient is HIV-infected is the presence of an HIV-associated gastrointestinal condition. These conditions can lead to significant morbidity including pain, difficulty swallowing, diarrhea, and weight loss. Early diagnosis and treatment can substantially improve the lives of those who are afflicted by these conditions. Although identifying the specific etiology of a patients symptoms can be challenging, a methodical approach can usually identify a treatable condition. This article focuses on some of the most common abnormalities of the gastrointestinal system that correctional health care providers are likely to encounter among their HIV-infected patients.
Ginger Tea As A Stomach Pain Remedy
The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of ginger neutralize excess acids that cause stomach pain.
Drinking ginger tea may help to stimulate proper digestion by promoting the production of digestive juices while fighting harmful free radicals that cause disease.
Drink two to three cups of ginger tea daily.
- Cut one medium-sized ginger root into thin slices.
- Add the ginger to one cup of boiling water and boil for three minutes.
- Lower heat and simmer for five minutes.
- Strain and add honey for flavor.
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Baking Soda And Lemon Drink
It is an easy and the best option for indigestion. You can mix lemon juice in water with a pinch of baking soda that may help to relieve digestive complaints. The drink produces carbonic acid in the stomach, causing the reduction of indigestion and gas. The acid in lemon also reduces the acid secretion in your stomach.
Using Apple Cider Vinegar As A Stomachache Cure
Another paradoxical-sounding remedy is using acidic drinks to relieve pain from gastric reflux. Since gastric reflux can result in stomach acid leaking out into places its not wanted, your stomachs acidity can end up lower than is optimal for digesting food.
Drinking apple cider vinegar can help improve the levels and ease an upset stomach. This assumes that youre able to, well, stomach the drink in the first place. While apple cider vinegar does its work best if taken raw, you may find mixing it with water, a teaspoon of honey, and sipping slowly to be the more tolerable option.
- Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to one cup of warm water.
- Mix in one tablespoon of honey.
- Drink this remedy every three hours until pain is gone.
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Natural Stomach Ache Remedies
Tea Chamomile, peppermint and ginger teas are great options to help calm a restless stomach. Add a little honey, and kids will be more likely to take a sip.
Heat Drawing a warm bath for kids when they have an upset stomach is another solution. The warmth of the water helps relax them and eases their discomfort.
Essential oils Essential oils can help relieve many day-to-day discomforts, tummies included. Peppermint oil or ginger oils work well. Lavender and cinnamon oils are also good options.
Fiber Chronic stomachaches might be a result of constipation. Adjust the diet by eliminating dairy and increasing high-fiber vegetables. Items like prunes, raisins and apricots help people go easier. And dont forget to make sure you or your kiddos are drinking lots of water!
BRAT Conversely, if you dont suspect constipation, the BRAT diet can help with symptoms of nausea or diarrhea. BRAT stands for banana, rice, applesauce and toast. All of these foods are low in fiber but high binding, making them especially helpful when a child is making many trips to the restroom or when eating, in general, sounds unappetizing.
Dr. Horton cautions that natural remedies might not be the right long-term treatment depending on where the pain is coming from. Before taking over-the-counter supplements or naturopathic remedies, he encourages patients to talk with their doctor to review the options before starting anything.
Signs And Symptoms Of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain may take several different forms. In addition to how severe it is, abdominal pain can be described in the following ways:
Generalized Pain This refers to pain felt in more than half of your abdominal area, and is typical of stomach viruses, indigestion, or gas as the cause of your pain.
Localized Pain This refers to pain felt in just one area of your abdomen, and is typical of a problem with an organ like your stomach, appendix, or gallbladder as the cause of your pain.
Cramping This type of pain come and goes, or changes in its severity or perceived position in your abdomen. Cramping is rarely serious and is typical of gas, passing a stool, or menstruation as the cause of your pain.
Colicky Pain
Its important to call your doctor if your abdominal pain is so severe that you cant move without feeling more pain, or sit still in a comfortable position.
- Nausea and vomiting that doesnt resolve
- Abdomen very tender to touch
- Swollen abdomen
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Who Diagnoses Ulcerative Colitis
If you have symptoms of ulcerative colitis, your regular healthcare provider will probably refer you to a specialist. A gastroenterologist a doctor who specializes in the digestive system should oversee the care for adults. For young patients, a pediatric gastroenterologist who specializes in children should manage the care.
Can Abdominal Pain Be Prevented
Eating enough fibreand doing regular exercise can help prevent constipation and keep your bowels working well, which will prevent some forms of abdominal pain. It will also reduce your long-term risk of some diseases, such as diverticular disease or bowel cancer.
Drinking plain water but not carbonated or fizzy drinks will reduce the chance of pain from bloating as well as keeping your body healthy.
Following a specific diet can help reduce pain due to lactose intolerance, gallstones, irritable bowel syndrome and trapped gas, or wind.
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How Is Abdominal Pain Treated
The treatment of abdominal pain will depend on its underlying cause.
Mild abdominal pain may go away on its own within hours or days. Mild pain and related symptoms can also often be treated with medicines from the pharmacy. Your pharmacist will be able to advise you on what type of product is best suited to your situation.
You should not use aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, to treat abdominal pain, other than period pain. These medicines may cause or irritate a stomach or bowel problem.
If you are treating mild abdominal pain with a known cause at home:
- use a hot water bottle or warm wheat pack on your abdomen
- eat bland foods when you can start eating again, or as advised by your doctor
Specific treatments, depending on the cause of your abdominal pain, include the following:
Gas Medicines designed to break down gas bubbles, such as antacids containing simethicone, are available over the counter. Gas-reducing medicines such as charcoal products, may help with ongoing wind problems. Dietary changes may also help. An Accredited Practising Dietitian or your doctor can help with dietary advice.
Gastroenteritis This usually only lasts a few days and clears up by itself. Rehydrating by drinking plenty of clear fluids is the most important treatment.
Pain due to muscle spasms Spasms in the wall of the bowel may be eased by antispasmodic medicines. Several are available, so talk to your pharmacist or doctor about which are right for you.
How Are Leg Ulcers Diagnosed
- A physical examination is the most common way to diagnose it.
- A doppler machine can also be used to diagnose leg ulcers based on the blood supply to your legs.
- In some cases, your doctor may refer you to a vascular specialist if he is not able to confirm your condition.
Once you are diagnosed with leg ulcers, you tend to look for different options to treat the condition. And what could be better than being able to do so naturally? Listed below are some of the best home remedies that can help you in treating leg ulcers naturally.
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2-3 times daily.
Why This Works
Aloe vera is a therapeutic herb that is widely used to treat various ailments. It is extremely effective in healing leg ulcers as it not only inhibits the growth of bacteria but also prevents further infection . It contains compounds like anthraquinones and certain hormones that are said to render wound healing properties to it .
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do This
Do this at least 2-3 times daily.
Why This Works
What You Have To Do
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How Is Abdominal Pain Diagnosed
Your healthcare provider will ask you detailed questions about your pain. Theyll want to know:
- Where you feel it.
- How long youve had it.
- If it comes and goes.
- If its getting worse.
- If it stays in one place or moves.
- What makes it better or worse.
- What other symptoms you have.
From your answers, your healthcare provider will try to determine if you need emergency treatment. Sometimes your healthcare provider will be able to tell right away that your pain is temporary and not serious. Sometimes they may suspect a more serious condition and may want to run some tests. And sometimes they wont be able to solve the mystery on the first visit. Your pain may subside, or you may have to return for further investigation.
Infections Of The Small Intestine
The symptoms associated with enteritis are typically associated with diarrhea and prolonged malabsorption leading to malnutrition. This is generally because of opportunistic infections, and, similar to other pathologies in HIV patients, the incidence of enteritis has decreased in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era. The main symptoms of enteritis are copious voluminous diarrhea with dehydration and malabsorption, as opposed to colitis, which is a bloody, painful diarrhea. The work-up of enteritis is detailed above, but specifically should include stool studies, and, if non-diagnostic, esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy. The etiologies of enteritis in HIV patients are multifold, and include bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. These can be diagnosed by the stool studies detailed earlier.
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Other Symptoms Of Gerd
Treatments for GERD may include:
- antacids for very mild symptoms
- over-the-counter proton pump inhibitors that reduce the acid production in your stomach
- OTC H2 blockers, which also reduce your stomachs acid production
- prescription-strength H2 blockers
- prescription-strength proton pump inhibitors
- motility drugs, which are prescription drugs that help your stomach empty faster so theres less time for reflux to occur
- prescription mucosal protectors, such as sucralfate
Talk with a doctor about which of these options may help reduce acid production that can harm your esophagus as well as help relieve your stomach pain.
Also ask a doctor about possible side effects of different treatments. For example, proton pump inhibitors may upset your stomach.
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What Can Cause It
Your pain may come from different places:
The HIV itself. The virus can damage nerves throughout your body. That can cause intense pain. Nerve pain is the most common pain when you have HIV.
Another illness. HIV weakens your immune system. This means youâre more likely to get new infections, such as hepatitis or pneumonia. And old infections, like herpes, may come back. One type of herpes virus causes shingles a burning rash along nerve pathways. For some people, the pain of shingles can last long after the rash goes away.
Side effects from your medicine. HIV drugs called antiretrovirals, or ARVs, can cause long-term side effects, like diabetes, bone loss andfractures, and painful rashes.
Sometimes, all three play a role.
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Why Can Diagnosis Of The Cause Of Abdominal Pain Be Difficult
Modern advances in technology have greatly improved the accuracy, speed, and ease of establishing the cause of belly pain, but significant challenges remain. There are many reasons why diagnosing the cause of it can be difficult.
Symptoms may be atypical
- For example, the pain of appendicitis sometimes is located in the right upper abdomen and diverticulitis on the right side. Elderly patients and those taking corticosteroids may have little or no pain and tenderness when there is inflammation, for example, with cholecystitis or diverticulitis. This occurs because corticosteroids reduce inflammation.
Tests are not always abnormal.
- Ultrasound examinations can miss gallstones, particularly small ones.
- CT scans may fail to show pancreatic cancer, particularly small ones.
- The KUB can miss the signs of intestinal obstruction or stomach perforation.
- Ultrasounds and CT scans may fail to demonstrate appendicitis or even abscesses, particularly if the abscesses are small.
- The CBC and other blood tests may be normal despite severe infection or inflammation, particularly in individuals receiving corticosteroids or other drugs that suppress the immune system.
Diseases can mimic one another.
The characteristics of the pain may change.
- Examples discussed previously include the extension of the inflammation of pancreatitis to involve the entire abdomen and the progression of biliary colic to cholecystitis.