When To See A Doctor For A Stomach Ache
If your symptoms are persistent and you’re having ongoing abdominal pain, it’s best to see your doctor rather than continuing to take these meds to rule out serious conditions.
Also, if your stomach ache is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever, Gagneja says you should seek medical attention as soon as possible instead of trying to mask the symptoms with OTC medications. These symptoms could be a sign of appendicitis, which must be treated by a doctor.
Keep in mind that OTC medications are just band-aids for relieving symptoms. They are not designed to address any serious underlying condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease , celiac disease, ulcers, or cancer, Gagneja says. This is why it’s not recommended to take these medications long-term if symptoms are persisting.
“If people keep on taking these symptom relief over the counter meds, then those diseases can be missed,” says Gagneja.
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In addition, many of the underlying conditions that cause abdominal pain can lead to serious complications, including the possibility of structural damage to the digestive system from infection, cancer and its treatments, and inflammatory bowel disease .
To reduce the risk of complications, its important to seek medical attention for your abdominal pain if its sudden and severe, or if it includes symptoms like fever, bloody stool, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, or visible swelling.
Best Home Remedies For Upset Stomach
Upset stomach or indigestion is very common nowadays! Everyone suffers from this one or another day. Also, there is nothing more uncomfortable than an upset stomach. This feeling of stomach discomfort increased now may be due to lack of physical activity. The covid-19 pandemic has given a sudden break to our life including our physical activity. The new culture of work disturbed our daily routine somehow. That is one of the causes that most of us facing stomach upset problem daily basis.
In medical terms, an upset stomach is also called dyspepsia that describes discomfort in your upper abdomen. An upset stomach is not a disorder but a bunch of digestive disorder symptoms that make you uncomfortable. It can also be a symptom of another digestive tract disease.
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A More Serious Condition Such As Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common condition that causes abdominal pain with bloating, diarrhea or constipation. The cause of IBS is unknown, but it may be brought on by certain triggers, including:
- Bacterial infections
- Food sensitivity
- Stressful events
If you think you may have IBS, reach out to your doctor for an evaluation. Many times, lifestyle modifications and medicines can help ease symptoms. You may also try some at-home techniques to relieve your bloating.
Stomach Cramps At Night
Stomach pain is a common symptom of many underlying diseases. The reason for stomach cramps at night could be mild or severe:
- Viral gastroenteritis
If stomach cramps keep recurring at night, keep a record of at what time the pain starts, for how long the pain lasts, and the before and after events of pain. This will help in the diagnosis of the cause of stomach cramps.
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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.
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Chamomile Tea To Cure Stomach Pain
Chamomile tea is known to work as an anti-inflammatory along the digestive tract.
If your stomach pain is caused by gastritis or indigestion, a cup of chamomile can offer relief. It does this by relaxing muscles along the stomach and the esophagus, easing the contractions that push food along, and lessens any cramps or spasms you are experiencing.
- Place one teaspoon of dried chamomile in one cup of boiled water.
- Cover and allow to steep for 15 minutes.
- Strain tea and add lemon or honey for taste.
- Drink up to three cups daily
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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:
When Should I See My Doctor
In some cases, you should seek urgent medical attention or consult a doctor if you have abdominal pain.
If you have a sudden, severe, incapacitating pain in your abdomen, go immediately to your nearest emergency department or call triple zero and ask for an ambulance.
You should also seek urgent medical attention if you have pain that:
- is severe and/or getting worse
- has lasted for several hours or more
- wakes you from sleep
- is spreading to your neck, chest or shoulders
- makes it difficult to swallow
Urgent medical attention is also required if you have abdominal pain accompanied by
- unexplained weight loss
- skin that appears yellow
If you are experiencing pain high up in your abdomen that is made worse by exercise it could be angina or a heart attack. If you, or someone near you is experiencing symptoms of a heart attack, call triple zero immediately and ask for an ambulance.
If you are pregnant and experiencing abdominal pain, check with your doctor or midwife. Abdominal pains are common in pregnancy, but should always be checked out.
If your abdominal pain does not match the situations above, but it is recurrent or persistent , or it started mild but is worsening, you should still consult a doctor.
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In The Meantime Are There Any Medications To Relieve Symptoms
Your doctor may be able to prescribe medication to relieve symptoms even before theres a diagnosis. Or they may recommend over-the-counter medications that can help.
Ask about common side effects, drug interactions, how long you can take them, and if there are particular OTC medications you should avoid.
For Nausea And Vomiting
Last nights Chinese take-out leftovers seem like a great meal ideauntil your stomach clearly begins to disagree with you. Nausea and vomiting are one of your bodys major defenses against food poisoning, and can also arise from problems like motion sickness and overeating. While the best way to cure an upset stomach from most cases of food poisoning is to let your body rid itself of the bacteria causing your discomfort, over-the-counter antiemetics can come in handy when dealing with nausea and vomiting symptoms caused by motion sickness and certain other conditions. There are two main types of OTC medications used to treat nausea and vomiting:
- Bismuth subsalicylate, the active ingredient in OTC medications like Kaopectate® and Pepto-Bismol, protects your stomach lining. Bismuth subsalicylate is also used to treat ulcers, upset stomach and diarrhea.
- Other medicines include cyclizine, dimenhydrinate, diphenhydramine, and meclizine. These can be found in medicines such as Dramamine, Bonine, or others, and they dull motion sickness by acting on your brain. They block messages from reaching the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting
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Acute Vs Chronic Vs Progressive
Acute abdominal pain usually comes on suddenly and is sharp/severe. It may improve within a few hours to a few days, depending on the cause. If sudden-onset pain lasts longer than this, you should see a doctor. You should also see a doctor or go to the emergency room if the pain worsens rapidly or you begin to experience fevers, severe or worsening nausea/vomiting, or diarrhea. Examples of acute abdominal pain can include gastrointestinal infection , appendicitis , cholecystitis , or an obstruction of your colon or small intestine.
Chronic abdominal pain is recurring and can come and go away without really worsening over a period of time. Chronic pain can be present for months or years at a time. You should always mention chronic stomach pain to your doctor or a healthcare provider. It can be a symptom of an underlying condition that needs treatment, or you can get help reducing pain and improving your quality of life. Examples of medical conditions that can cause chronic pain include certain types of hernias, celiac disease , irritable bowel syndrome , constipation, pain related to the menstrual cycle, or peptic ulcer disease.
Stomach pain may also come in waves, called colicky pain. It can feel like spasms and may repeat over days, weeks, or years. This is frequently caused by kidney stones and gallstones .
What To Do If Youve Overeaten
That feeling of fullness can be overbearing, especially after eating a lot of sweets and drinking a lot of caffeine. If you have abdominal pain after meals because of eating too much, dont beat yourself up and try to relax. Once the discomfort subsides, go for a walk.
Stimulating digestion through a leisurely stroll is a practical way of curbing the digestion hurts.
According to research institutions, physical activity can be an effective option for easing stomach bloating. Then, take a sip of water to flush out that excess salt you most likely had with your meal.
Water can help with bellyache after eating since it keeps you from getting constipated. But, if you plan to use carbonated drinks to quench your thirst dont do it. You are swallowing gas that fills up the digestive system, which can make you even more bloated.
If you still have some food left, leave it for later or give it away. The best way to manage intestinal distress after eating too much is to know when to stop. Dont keep your calorie-packed meals in the fridge if you know you cant resist them.
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Prevention Of Abdominal Pain
In many cases, abdominal pain can be prevented by adopting lifestyle and dietary choices that address the cause of your pain. Constipation, digestive upset, and even abdominal injury can often be prevented.
The following steps may help you prevent abdominal pain:
Drink plenty of water.
Develop regular bowel habits. Many people can train themselves to have regular bowel movements to help avoid constipation.
Follow a balanced, fiber-filled diet. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods, like whole grains, can help support healthy digestion and reduce constipation.
Eat regularly and slowly. Eating moderately-sized meals, instead of waiting until youre very hungry and stuffing yourself, can help avoid pain from overeating or eating on an empty stomach.
Exercise regularly. Getting enough physical activity can help prevent constipation and strengthen your abdominal muscles, which may help prevent straining.
Wear a seatbelt properly.
What Does Stomach Pain After Eating Feel Like
Stomach pain after eating is typically centered around the abdominal area. And it feels like dull aches or cramps in the tummy.
Mild cramping and dull pains usually go away on their own. You can feel better after doing a poo.
They are not serious. The body just needs time to process the food.
But, if you experience pain every time you eat, and the sensations are accompanied by burning, aching, twisting, or stabbing pain, it could mean you are dealing with a health problem.
The intensity will vary based on what causes the pain when digesting food.
For example, if there is food intolerance, then you can develop an unpleasant physical reaction to that particular food you are eating.
The tummy feels bloated and in pain, which tends to occur a couple of hours after you consume the food. The symptoms could also come with diarrhea, itching, and skin rashes.
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What Is Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain may be felt anywhere between the chest and groin region of your body. The pain may be generalized, localized, or it may feel like cramps in your belly. If you have cramping or discomfort in your stomach, it may be due to gas, bloating, or constipation. Or it might be a sign of a more serious medical condition.
Colicky pain in the abdomen region comes and goes. One moment, you may feel fine, but the next, you may experience sharp, sudden pain in your abdomen. Kidney stones and gallstones are often the cause of this type of pain.
Many conditions can cause abdominal pain. But the main causes are:
Mild abdominal pain may go away without treatment. For example, if youre experiencing abdominal pain because of gas or bloating, it may simply need to run its course.
But in some cases, abdominal pain may warrant a trip to the doctor.
You should seek immediate medical care if the pain is so severe that you cant sit still or need to curl into a ball to get comfortable, or if you have any of the following:
- unexplained weight loss
If you dont already have a gastroenterologist, the Healthline FindCare tool can help you find a physician in your area.
What Can You Do To Ease The Pain
The symptoms of a stomach cramp can include a burning pain and nausea. It can happen when the digestive muscles in the stomach contract. The resulting pain can be intense, especially if the cramp is not treated. To ease the pain, try drinking some water or taking a pain reliever. You can also apply ice directly to the area. You can also ask a friend or relative to massage your stomach or back. The pain will often disappear within minutes. Your doctor may also suggest medications that can help relax the stomach muscles and relieve the pain.
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Natural Treatments And Home Remedies
You can try the following natural home remedies to find relief when you have abdominal pain or gas trouble.
- You can use a heating pad to feel better. This helps with various types of abdominal pain, including cramps in the lower abdomen.
- You can take one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a teaspoon of honey and mix it in a cup of water. This can help you feel better from abdominal pain.
- If there are certain trigger foods, you should avoid those foods. For example, avoiding spicy foods has helped many people find relief.
- Peppermint is a great idea for lower abdomen pain. You can make peppermint tea or chew the peppermint leaves.
- You can drink plenty of water daily. This can help you feel better.
- You can use ginger for relief from abdominal pain. You can take ginger supplements or cut it and make tea with ginger for pain relief in the stomach.
- You can follow the BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. This diet can help ease pain symptoms.
- You can start meditation, yoga, and exercising regularly all of this helps to calm your mind and relieve pain.
Related Conditions Of Abdominal Pain
Some of the most common conditions associated with abdominal pain include the following:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome This condition is characterized by symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, and bloating.
Constipation If you arent having regular bowel movements, you may feel bloated and full and experience sharp gas pains in your abdomen.
Peptic Ulcer When a sore develops in the lining of your stomach or upper small intestine, you may experience a burning sensation similar to hunger pangs, along with nausea, vomiting, or heartburn.
Pancreatitis Inflammation of your pancreas may cause sharp, severe pain in the upper middle area of your abdomen, along with nausea, vomiting, or fever. This condition can be either acute or chronic.
Diverticulitis
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Toast Simple Home Remedy For Stomach Pain
Toast is an easy way to combat abdominal cramps without needing to leave the house . The trick with this home remedy is that you actually let the toast burn, as the charcoal result is effective for your cramps. If you feel like you drank just a bit too much last night and your stomach hurts, you can munch on some burned toast to get back on your feet.
Why Am I Nauseous
Nausea is that uncomfortable, queasy feeling you get in your stomach that makes you feel like youre going to vomit. It may be triggered by a virus, a digestive condition, pregnancy, or even an unpleasant odor.
Many times, its unclear why nausea strikes. Whatever the reason, when it hits, youll do almost anything to make it go away.
Heres a list of 16 ways to get rid of nausea. Many nausea remedies dont necessarily cure the condition, but they may help you feel more comfortable.
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