What To Take For Stomach Issues

What Home Remedies Soothe Abdominal Pain In Adults

Abdominal pain without fever, vomiting, vaginal bleeding, passing out, chest pain, or other serious symptoms often get better without special treatment.

• If the pain persists or if a person believes the pain may represent a serious problem, they should see a doctor.
• A heating pad or soaking in a tub of warm water may ease the pain.
• Over-the-counter antacids, such as Tums, Maalox, or Pepto-Bismol, also can reduce some types of abdominal pain. Activated charcoal capsules also may help.
• Acetaminophen may help. This product should be avoided if liver disease is suspected. Patients should try to avoid aspirin or ibuprofen stomach or intestinal ulcer disease is suspected these drugs can make the pain worse.

What Are The Symptoms Of Stomach Gurgling

Stomach gurgling sounds on their own are not usually a cause for concern. However, if there are other symptoms that accompany the stomach gurgling sounds, then it may indicate an underlying health issue. Symptoms to look out for may include:

• Feelings of fullness

If you experience any of these symptoms along with your stomach gurgling, you may want to consult your doctor, especially if these symptoms persist for multiple days.

While hypoactive and hyperactive stomach gurgling is not always a cause for concern, it may indicate a more serious digestive issue, such as:

• Blocked blood vessels that are preventing the intestines from getting proper blood flow
• Bowel obstruction, which could be caused by a hernia, tumor, adhesions, or other digestive conditions
• Paralytic ileus, which is an issue with the nerves connected to the intestines

People are generally more concerned when they hear an active or overactive stomach, but dont usually think underactive or reduced bowel noises are an issue. Our gut is naturally supposed to produce some noise during the digestive process. Hypoactive, or reduced, bowel sounds could also be a potential cause for concern, and may be caused by drugs that can slow your digestion and elimination abdominal surgery coming off of general anesthesia spinal anesthesia or radiation to the abdomen.

Symptoms Of Abdominal Pain In Adults

The type of pain can vary greatly. When abdominal pain occurs, it can:

• be sharp, dull, stabbing, cramp-like, twisting or fit many other descriptions
• be brief, come and go in waves, or it can be constant
• make you throw up
• make you want to stay still or make you so restless that you pace around trying to find just the right position
• vary from a minor problem to one needing urgent surgery.

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How To Take Pantoprazole

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about pantoprazole and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
• If you have been prescribed pantoprazole, take it exactly as your doctor tells you to. There are different strengths of tablets available so your doctor will tell you which is right for you. It is usually taken once a day. If you are taking it for either Helicobacter pylori eradication or for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, it is likely you will be asked to take two doses a day. Your doctor will tell you which dose is right for you and the directions will also be on the label of the pack to remind you.
• If you have bought pantoprazole for symptoms such as heartburn, take one tablet in the morning. You may need to take pantoprazole for a day or so to control your symptoms. If your symptoms do not improve within a few days, you should talk with your doctor about this.
• Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Do not chew, crush or break the tablet before you swallow. Pantoprazole can be taken before or after food, although taking it before food is preferable.
• If you forget to take a dose at your usual time, you can take it when you remember . Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

How Is The Cause Of The Abdominal Pain Diagnosed

Physical Examination

Physical examination will include a careful examination of the patient’s abdomen, heart, and lungs in order to pinpoint the source of the pain.

• The doctor will touch different parts of the abdomen to check for tenderness or other signs that indicate the source of the pain.
• The doctor may do a rectal exam to check for small amounts of blood in the stool or other problems, such as a mass or internal hemorrhoids.
• If the patient is a man, the doctor may check the penis and testicles.
• If the patient is a woman, the doctor may do a pelvic exam to check for problems in the uterus, Fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
• The doctor also may look at the patient’s eyes for yellow discoloration and in the mouth to be sure the patient is not dehydrated.

Laboratory Tests

Laboratory tests may or may not help to determine the cause of the abdominal pain. Combined with the information gained from the questions the patient was asked and the physical examination performed by the doctor, certain blood or urine tests may be ordered and could assist in determining the diagnosis.

Radiology Tests

Radiology studies of the patient’s abdomen can be useful, but are not always necessary or helpful.

• Occasionally, an X-ray will show air outside of the bowel, meaning that something has ruptured or perforated.
• An X-ray also can help diagnose bowel obstruction.
• Sometimes X-rays can show a kidney stone.

Ultrasound is a painless procedure useful in finding some causes of abdominal pain.

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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.

When It’s Not An Emergency

If your stomach pain is not severe, persistent, or associated with concerning symptoms like those already discussed, it is likely to resolve on its own. Abdominal pain is usually caused by minor problems such as constipation, trapped gas, or eating something that didn’t agree with you, like a high dairy meal or a spice that you aren’t used to.

Waiting a few hours, having a bowel movement, or passing gas usually helps. There are a few things you can do so that you can be more comfortable and to help relieve your symptoms as your pain resolves:

• Limit yourself to clear liquids for a few hours.
• If you experience vomiting and/or diarrhea, stick with the BRAT diet and other mild foods until your symptoms start to subside.
• Avoid foods that are tough on the digestive system, such as food that is high in fat, fried foods, spicy foods, and drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
• Try an over-the-counter antacid or gas-relieving product.
• Try to have a bowel movement. Often, eating raw fruit, vegetables, beans, or high-fiber cereal can help.
• Use a hot water bottle or heating pad. This may help to soothe your pain. Place the pad on your abdomen for half-hour intervals and be sure to use a towel under the pad to protect your skin.

Your symptoms may completely improve within one to two days. If they do not, call your doctor’s office for advice.

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When Should An Adult Seek Medical Care For Abdominal Pain

• Abdominal pain that lasts more than six hours or continues to worsen
• Severe abdominal pain
• Pain that worsens when a person tries to move around
• Pain that starts all over, but settles into one area, especially the right lower abdomen
• Pain that awakens a person up at night
• Pain with vaginal bleeding or pregnancy, even if a female only thinks she might be pregnant
• Pain accompanied by a fever over 101 F
• Pain along with an inability to urinate, move the bowels, or pass gas
• Any other pain that feels different from a simple stomach ache
• Any other pain that alarms a person, or concerns them in any way

If the person has any of the following, or cannot reach their doctor, go to a hospital emergency department:

• Very severe pain
• Pain so bad the affected person passes out or almost passes out
• Pain so bad the affected person cannot move
• Pain and vomiting blood, or any vomiting that lasts more than six hours
• Pain and no bowel movement for more than three days
• Pain the person thinks might be in their chest, but they aren’t sure
• Pain that seems to come from the person’s testicles

Taking Activated Charcoal To Relieve Stomach Trouble

Stomach discomfort can throw off your day. Whether its gas pain, indigestion or a bloated belly, the symptoms are hard to ignore. As it turns out, theres a little black tablet that may provide some reliefwhile its rising in popularity these days, its actually been around for longer than you may have thought.

Activated charcoalwhich can be found in powder, liquid or pill formis a natural substance used to absorb toxins from the body. Its original use was is in poison control centres, to remove poisons that had been ingested. In pill form, it is a safe and easy to use home remedy for a wide variety of ailments or health issues.

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How Do Doctors Find The Cause Of A Stomachache

To find the cause of a stomachache, doctors ask about:

• your symptoms
• illnesses you’ve had in the past
• health conditions that other family members have

Be honest with your doctor, even if a symptom seems embarrassing.

The doctor will do an exam and sometimes might order tests, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or blood test. It all depends on what the doctor thinks is causing the problem.

The 12 Best Foods For An Upset Stomach

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Almost everyone gets an upset stomach from time to time.

Common symptoms include nausea, indigestion, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea or constipation.

There are many potential reasons for an upset stomach and treatments vary depending on the underlying cause.

Thankfully, a variety of foods can settle an upset stomach and help you feel better, faster.

Here are the 12 best foods for an upset stomach.

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Is Stomach Flu Contagious

Yes! Usually a virus causes the stomach flu. Symptoms appear one to three days after exposure, so you are contagious before you begin to develop symptoms.

And even after youve recovered from your symptoms, you can remain contagious for up to two weeks. Children can remain contagious for an even longer period afterward.

To decrease the risk of passing it onto others, do not go to work or school with symptoms. If you have a fever, wait until its gone for 24 hours before returning to your routine.

A Few Healthy Tips To Avoid Stomach Problems:

Taking baking soda will get you relief from upset stomach and digestive issues, but its wise to remember some basic lifestyle tips to avoid these problems in the first place.

A few basic changes can affect your health and overall digestion.

Use these quick-fix methods if you are having problems with an upset stomach. Baking soda is an invaluable item to have handy for times when you face digestive issues.

Have you tried any of these methods? Have you tried any other home remedies for upset stomach like ginger? Then share your experience with us and please leave a comment.

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When To See A Doctor

An upset stomach and indigestion should not usually cause concern. For most people, symptoms should go away within a few hours. As older adults and children can become dehydrated much more quickly, they should seek medical attention for vomiting and diarrhea that lasts for more than a day.

People with severe, frequent, or persistent stomach problems should talk to a doctor. It is also best to seek medical attention if the following symptoms are present:

• continual or uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea
• chronic constipation

Check For Bloody Stool

Ensure that there is no blood in the stool. This seems obvious for children still in diapers, but make sure to check the stool of those who are potty-trained, as they may not mention this to you. If you do find blood in the stool, see your childs doctor right away.

Sometimes blood in the stool can be microscopic, so your childs pediatrician may ask for a stool sample to test for blood if there is any concern.

In addition, talk to your doctor if your child has diarrhea along with weight loss or poor weight gain, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, or stools that are greasy or oily.

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The Risk Of Stomach Bleeding Associated With Nsaids Is Increased In Certain People Including Those

WITH A HISTORY OF STOMACH BLEEDING OR STOMACH ULCERS

OVER THE AGE OF 60

TAKING A BLOOD THINNING OR STEROID DRUG

WHO HAVE 3 OR MORE ALCOHOLIC DRINKS EVERY DAY WHILST USING AN NSAID

TAKING OTHER DRUGS CONTAINING PRESCRIPTION OR NONPRESCRIPTION NSAIDS

TAKING MORE THAN THE RECOMMENDED DOSE OF AN NSAID OR FOR A LONGER TIME THAN DIRECTED

Ginger Can Relieve Nausea And Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of an upset stomach.

Ginger, a fragrant edible root with bright yellow flesh, is frequently used as a natural remedy for both of these symptoms .

Ginger can be enjoyed raw, cooked, steeped in hot water or as a supplement, and is effective in all forms .

Its often taken by women suffering from morning sickness, a type of nausea and vomiting that can occur during pregnancy.

A review of 6 studies including over 500 pregnant women found that taking 1 gram of ginger daily was associated with 5 times less nausea and vomiting during pregnancy .

Ginger is also helpful for people undergoing chemotherapy or major surgery, since these treatments can cause severe nausea and vomiting.

Taking 1 gram of ginger daily, prior to undergoing chemo or surgery, can significantly reduce the severity of these symptoms .

Ginger can even be used as a natural remedy for motion sickness. When taken beforehand, it can help reduce the intensity of nausea symptoms and speed of recovery time .

How this works is not entirely understood, but its hypothesized that ginger regulates nervous system signaling in the stomach and speeds up the rate at which the stomach empties, thereby reducing nausea and vomiting .

Ginger is generally considered safe, but heartburn, stomach pain and diarrhea can occur at doses above 5 grams per day .

Summary Ginger can help reduce nausea and vomiting, especially when associated with pregnancy, surgery, chemotherapy or motion sickness.

Read Also: What Foods Calm The Stomach

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

How Is Rap Diagnosed

When you or your child sees the doctor about RAP, theyâll ask about symptoms and family history. Theyâll want to know when the pain starts and what seems to make it feel worse or better. Then, theyâll do a thorough physical exam.

Theyâll probably take samples of blood and urine to do some tests. They also can order a scan to look inside your body for a problem, such as a CT scan, MRI, or an ultrasound. If youâre over age 50, you may get a colonoscopy, which is when a doctor uses a thin, flexible tool with a camera to look for problems inside your colon and rectum.

The results of these tests will help your doctor decide what kind of treatment will help you or your child the most. If a specific health issue is making your stomach hurt, youâll need to get treatment for that problem. Your doctor could also suggest lifestyle changes like eating different foods or finding ways to manage stress. Often, a mix of different things helps.

If your belly pain keeps coming back for 6 months and your doctor canât find a medical reason why, you may have functional abdominal pain.

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