How To Cure Stomach Cramps
Stomach cramps at home can be relieved by simple natural remedies such as:
- Ginger: Chewing ginger or having a ginger beverage will help with stomach cramps. Ginger alleviates stomach cramps, bloating, and stimulates the body enzyme into action.
- Peppermint: Peppermint is antispasmodic that relieves stomach cramps. It activates the anti-pain receptors and soothes pain. Peppermint can be taken in tea beverages or the form of capsules.
- Heating pad: the warmth will relax the strained abdominal muscles and relieve the pain with rest.
Besides these remedies, other methods of relieving stomach cramps are:
- Taking over-the-counter medicines
- Antibiotics for the cramps caused by bacteria
- Antispasmodic medication for IBS
If there is no relief from the remedies mentioned above and have the following symptoms, it is best to visit a doctor:
- Chest pain along with stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Causes Of Abdominal Pain And Diarrhea In Pregnant People
Pregnant people are especially prone to abdominal pain and diarrhea. One common reason is that many people make changes to their diet when they find out theyre pregnant. This can cause digestive trouble.
If youre pregnant, you may also start having sensitivities to particular foods. This can include foods you eat on a regular basis, resulting in abdominal pain and diarrhea. On top of that, hormone changes in your reproductive system that occur during pregnancy may also cause these symptoms.
Seek medical help if youre having abdominal pain and diarrhea that last for 3 days, if the pain grows increasingly worse over a 24-hour period, or if its accompanied by any of these symptoms:
- frequent nausea or vomiting
- a sustained fever of 101°F for adults or 100.4°F for children
- stool that contains blood or dried blood, which looks like wet coffee grounds
- an inability to keep food down
- extreme thirst or dry mouth
- an inability to speak or see
- mental confusion or loss of consciousness
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- swelling of the genitals
- external bleeding
Diarrhea can be more dangerous for infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. In these cases, discuss symptoms with a doctor.
If you dont have a primary care doctor, you can browse doctors in your area through the Healthline FindCare tool.
How Do Doctors Find The Cause Of A Bellyache
Your doctor will first ask you some questions, examine you, and maybe do some tests. Your doctor may suggest you take some medicine or might give you special instructions for eating to help your body heal the bellyache.
If it turns out that you have appendicitis, you will need an operation called an appendectomy .
If stress is behind your stomach problems, your doctor may recommend a specialist, such as a psychologist. These experts can help kids figure out the source of the stress and help them come up with some ideas for how to fix the problems or handle them better.
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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.
How To Treat Nausea
If your nausea is brought on by constipation, you should try to treat the constipation itself first. According to Hastin taking a laxative or a stool softener may help ease your nausea.
You can also take over-the-counter treatments like Pepto Bismol or Gaviscon.
If you dont have immediate access to over-the-counter medication here are a couple of tips to get temporary relief from nausea, no matter what the cause may be:
- Place a heating pad against your stomach. This can help relax the stomach muscles and ease your nausea.
- Sit up straight to avoid crunching your stomach, especially after eating.
- Apply a cool compress to the back of your neck.
- Drink some ginger tea. Many studies show that ginger is an effective and inexpensive treatment for nausea.
However, if you have persistent nausea, thats occurring over the course of a week or a month, then you should see a doctor, advises Curtin.
Ever wonder how to get rid of period cramps? I know. It might seem strange that, as a man, Im offering advice on how to combat painful periods. But with so many women suffering from painful PMS symptoms each month, its a topic Ive wanted to tackle for some time now.
There are a number of simple ways to ease the discomfort.
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Who Is Eligible For The Treatment
If you are noticing the following symptoms during stomach cramps then you need to take proper medical treatment for it.
- Acute pain in your abdominal area lasting for more than 1 day.
- When you are suffering from pelvic inflammatory disease.
- Pain accompanied by diarrhea or constipation.
- Chronic pain in the upper right side of the abdominal area.
Severe Acute Pain In The Lower Right Side Of The Abdomen
Sudden pain in the lower part of the abdomen may be a sign of appendicitis. It may also be accompanied by a fever. Pain often begins around the belly button area and becomes worse with time. Vomiting or constipation or diarrhea along with the pain also indicate it’s time to go to the emergency room.
Appendicitis mostly affects kids and teens between the ages of 5 and 20. While there are many digestive health issues that can cause stomach pain in kids, it’s important to talk to your child’s doctor immediately if you suspect appendicitis – especially if the pain comes on suddenly over several hours or is persistent. Appendicitis often requires surgery. If left untreated, a ruptured appendix can be deadly.
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Why Does Your Stomach Hurt
Stomach cramps can range from mild achiness to severe, stabbing pain.
Common causes of stomach cramps include eating foods that can irritate your stomach, constipation, food poisoning, or a stomach infection. People who have anxiety may also develop stomach cramps.
Pregnant people may experience stomach cramps as the fetus grows. Menstrual cramps are also very common, though they actually take place in the uterus.
Sometimes stomach cramps are constant. In this case, a chronic digestive illness, such as irritable bowel disease, may be the cause.
Most stomach cramps go away on their own within a few hours or a couple of days. Changing what you eat and taking over-the-counter medication can help with symptoms while you recover.
Some stomach cramps may require medical attention. You should be concerned about stomach cramps if they last for a week or longer or are so severe that you cant function, or you also have symptoms like fever or blood in your vomit or stool.
Foods That Hurt: Dairy Products
Too much dairy can trigger stomach cramps for some people. Thatâs because it has a type of sugar called lactose, and many people donât make enough of the enzyme that digests it. That can cause stomach pain, bloating, and nausea within a couple of hours after eating. You may need to cut back on milk, cheese, or other dairy foods, or you can eat lactose-free versions or take an enzyme supplement.
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Types Of Abdominal Pain
There are three types of abdominal pain that you can experience cramp-like, localized, or colicky.
Localized abdominal pain is when only one area of the abdomen is aching. This type of abdominal pain is usually caused due to issues associated with a single organ. Examples of localized abdominal pain are stomach ulcers.
Colicky abdominal pain is when you have a sharp, severe spasmodic pain which cannot be localised to one place which is waxing and waning persisting for few minutes reducing and recurring again.. This type of abdominal pain can last long if left untreated. You can experience this due to kidney stones, intestinal obstruction etc
Cramp-like abdominal pain is when you experience pain similar to cramps. Sometimes this type of pain goes away without you doing anything. Women can experience this pain due to menstruation. Other causes of this type of pain include constipation, flatulence, or diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome etc.
You Dont Have To Suffer
Muscle cramps during the menstrual cycle are generally mild with no debilitating effects. That said, there are many women who unfortunately suffer with severe pain and muscle tension.
The range of cramping discomfort often depends on the timing of puberty, genetics, and lifestyle choices. You could stop cramps fast, and possibly even prevent them from developing before your period, with natural home remedies. By changing your diet, routine, and incorporating exercises that target the stomach muscles, you may be able to stop stressing about your next period and enjoy daily activities every day of the month.
Doheny, K., 10 Ways To Relieve Period Cramps, Everyday Health , last accessed June 9, 2017.Ipatenco, S., How To Get Rid Of Menstrual Cramps Fast, Live Strong, August 16, 2013 , last accessed June 9, 2017.13 Ways To Get Rid Of Your Period Cramps, Web MD , last accessed June 9, 2017.Home Remedies to Relieve Menstrual Pain, Healthline, Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT on February 3, 2017 , last accessed June 9, 2017.
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Ginger Natural Remedy To Get Rid Of Stomach Cramps
Among roots that are reliable for making your tummy feel better, ginger deserves a good place on the podium. This home remedy works by easing the digestion process and, as a result, making the pain in your abdomen go away. You can brew a pot of fresh ginger tea to make the most of its anti-inflammatory properties. If you cannot find any sources for fresh ginger in your area, you can always buy some ginger tea or even some ginger supplements if you are not fond of the slightly spicy taste.
What To Eat In Stomach Cramps
There are various foods that are potent in preventing stomach cramps:
- Ginger tea is a good option to avoid nausea and vomiting that usually persists in stomach cramps.
- Chamomile tea is also good for healing your upset stomach.
- Peppermint is ideal if you are facing bowel movement-related issues.
- Licorice is highly potent in curing indigestion.
- Flax seeds are known to treat constipation and stomach pain.
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Apple Cider Vinegar Natural Remedy To Get Rid Of Stomach Cramps
Severe abdominal cramping can also be treated with the help of apple cider vinegar. It works by helping out your digestive system and alleviating symptoms like bloating or gas. Take one glass of lukewarm water and add 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar.
Mix it well and drink it while the water is still warm. If the taste is too much, you can always add an extra tablespoon of organic honey to help drink it up. You should repeat this remedy one time every couple of hours and you will soon see any lower or upper abdominal cramps disappear.
Causes Of Abdominal Pain And Diarrhea In Children
Like adults, children often experience abdominal pain and diarrhea because of stomach flu, infections, food allergies, lactose intolerance, or stress. But eating too much can also cause these symptoms.
Some children may have trouble telling the difference between when theyre hungry and when theyre full. This can cause them to overeat. Overeating puts stress on the digestive system, which can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea.
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Solutions To Decrease Period Pains And Cramps
Taking Care Of Yourself At Home
Most abdominal pain goes away without special treatment. Be guided by your doctor, but there are some things you can do to help ease the pain, including:
- Place a hot water bottle or heated wheat bag on your abdomen.
- Soak in a warm bath. Take care not to scald yourself.
- Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water.
- Reduce your intake of coffee, tea and alcohol as these can make the pain worse.
- When you are allowed to eat again, start with clear liquids, then progress to bland foods such as crackers, rice, bananas or toast. Your doctor may advise you to avoid certain foods.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Try over-the-counter antacids, to help reduce some types of pain.
- Take mild painkillers such as paracetamol. Please check the packet for the right dose. Avoid aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs unless advised to take them by a doctor. These drugs can make some types of abdominal pain worse.
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Home Remedies For Stomach Cramps
There are several home remedies that are readily available in the kitchen. They are:
- Potato juice: Have potato juice pre-meal thrice a day to cure your problem of stomach gas
- Charcoal: Having a charcoal tablet before and after your meals which will greatly help in reducing the issues of acidity and gas
- Turmeric: Have turmeric mixed with milk everyday to get the desired results
- Ginger: Ginger is good for treating gastric problem as well as indigestion
- Baking soda: It works as an effective antacid and gives instant relief when you have it mixed with water on an empty stomach
- Apple cider vinegar
Lemon Natural Remedy For Stomach Cramps
Last but not least, lemon remains one of the most trusted home remedies for warding off stomach cramps. You can add a bit of lemon to most of the solutions described in this list, or you can choose to make some plain, light lemon tea that will take up just a few minutes of your time. Take one-half of a lemon and extract the juice into a cup of hot water. Add some raw honey if you would like and take small sips while your pain goes away.
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Urgent Advice: Speak To Your Gp As Soon As Possible If:
- you have severe abdominal pain, especially if it’s concentrated in one area
- the pain starts suddenly or unexpectedly
If your GP is closed, phone 111.
Serious causes of sudden severe abdominal pain include:
- appendicitis the swelling of the appendix means your appendix will need to be removed
- a bleeding or perforated stomach ulcer
- acute cholecystitis inflammation of the gallbladder, which may need to be removed
- kidney stones small stones may be passed out in your urine, but larger stones may block the kidney tubes, and you’ll need to go to hospital to have them broken up
- diverticulitis inflammation of the small pouches in the bowel that sometimes requires treatment with antibiotics in hospital
If your GP suspects you have one of these conditions, they may refer you to hospital immediately.
Sudden and severe pain in your abdomen can also sometimes be caused by an infection of the stomach and bowel . It may also be caused by a pulled muscle in your abdomen or by an injury.
Home Remedies For An Upset Stomach
An upset stomach is a nonmedical term describing a range of gastrointestinal symptoms like gas, bloating, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea.
Next time youre feeling any of these symptoms, try these home remedies from Nebraska Medicine gastroenterologist Sarah Malik, MBBS, to feel better.
Peppermint oil
For centuries, peppermint oil has been used to treat gastrointestinal ailments. Peppermint oil possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulating and anesthetic activities, all of which may help gut disorders. Peppermint oil can relax painful muscle contractions along your food pipe.
Eucalyptus oil, found in vapor rub
Vapor rub contains ingredients that can provide a soothing effect if rubbed on the belly. It contains eucalyptus oil, which fights against bacteria, improves your immune system and reduces inflammation. It also contains menthol, camphor oil and nutmeg oil, which have been used to relieve pain.
Ginger
Herbal medicines are also effective for nausea. People have used ginger root to soothe troubled stomachs for the past 2,000 years. Various preclinical and clinical studies also support ginger’s helpful properties. Try ginger tea with lemon for a relaxing, comforting drink.
Sports drinks and noncaffeinated sodas
Certain foods make an upset stomach worse
Some people with chronic stomach discomfort are more sensitive to certain foods:
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