How to Treat Stomach Pains

Last Updated on Fri, 10 February 2023 | Diseases And Health Conditions

One of the most prevalent ailments is stomach aches. Stomach pains can be mild or severe and affect anyone of any age. They may present as a temporary discomfort, or as a long-term condition. There are many causes for stomach pain. The most prevalent include Food Poisoning , Indigestion and Infections . There are many treatments available depending on what causes the stomach pain. These include prescription Medications and dietary modifications as well as natural remedies.

It all boils down to:

The general term stomach ache refers to any discomfort or pain in the abdomen. There are many causes, such as food poisoning, indigestion and viral or bacterial infection, muscle strain and more severe conditions, like gallbladder disease, kidney stones and Appendicitis . It can be mild or severe and last for several days.

Other than physical discomfort, stomachaches may also lead to nausea, vomiting and gastric problems. Other symptoms, such as fatigue and fever, may be experienced depending on the reason. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, (NIDDK) estimates that up to 20% of Americans experienced abdominal pain in the past 30 days.

Stomach Aches: Common Causes

There are many causes for stomach pains, as we have already mentioned. Below are some of the more common causes.

Food poisoning is when a person eats food contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites. The symptoms usually appear between 6-24 hours and include Diarrhea , nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps.
Indigestion: Indigestion can be used to refer to a wide range of digestive problems, such as heartburn, Acid Reflux and bloating. Indigestion may cause abdominal pain as well as nausea and belching.
Viral Infections or Bacterial Diseases - These are the leading causes of stomach pain. The norovirus and rotavirus are some examples. The symptoms can be nausea, vomiting and crampings. They usually appear within 24 to 48 hours of exposure.
Muscle Strain: A muscle strain or abdominal wall strain can be caused by sudden movements or prolonged sitting. The symptoms include acute, intense pain in the abdomen which gets worse when you move.

Common Treatments For Stomach Aches

The root cause of stomach pains is what you need to treat. Over-the-counter medication can sometimes provide relief for minor food poisonings, indigestion, and viral/bacterial infections. These drugs include anti-diarrheal medications and acid blockers. They can reduce nausea, vomiting and cramps. If symptoms continue or get worse, you should seek medical attention.

Natural remedies and dietary modifications can be used to treat stomach pains. It is possible to reduce stomach discomfort by eating small meals, frequently and staying away from foods that can trigger symptoms. You may find relief with natural remedies like ginger, peppermint and chamomile. Other therapies include massage and acupuncture, as well as yoga.

Stomachaches: Experts' and Professionals' Opinions

American College of Gastroenterology recommends that abdominal pain not last more than 3 days, or is associated with fever, bloody stool, weight loss, and/or other unusual symptoms. ACG recommends avoiding high-fat, spicy, or greasy foods. Alcohol can also be a contributing factor to symptoms. The ACG also recommends that you avoid smoking, which can cause irritation to the stomach lining and raise the chance of developing gastrointestinal problems.

Doctor Kenneth Brown MD is a board-certified gastroenterologist who founded DoctorKenneth.com. He says stomachaches are often treatable at home but that it's important to see a physician if they persist. Most stomach pains can be treated with non-prescription medications or lifestyle changes. If your symptoms persist or worsen after several days it's important to see a doctor to rule out other conditions.

Use natural remedies or tips

You can reduce stomach pain by using natural methods and other tips. Drinking lots of water and eating small meals can reduce stomach discomfort. Some herbs and spices such as peppermint and chamomile and ginger may help with nausea and abdominal pain. Regular exercise is a great way to increase digestion and decrease abdominal cramping.

To flush out toxins and stay hydrated, drink plenty of water.
To reduce the work your digestive system must do, eat small and frequent meals.
Avoid spicy, greasy and fatty foods as they can trigger reactions.
Low-fiber food options include bananas, oatmeal, white rice and applesauce.
As needed, take over-the-counter medicines such as anti-diarrheal and acid blockers.
Natural remedies include ginger, peppermint and chamomile.
Relaxation techniques such as deep breath, meditation and yoga are all possible.
Regular exercise can improve your digestion and decrease abdominal cramping.

These tips should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice. It is crucial to get medical attention if symptoms continue or worsen.

Conclusion

Stomachaches can be mild or severe. There are many causes of stomach aches, but the most prevalent are food poisoning and indigestion. The cause of the problem will vary, so treatment may involve over-the-counter medication, diet changes and natural remedies. Experts recommend that you seek medical attention immediately if your symptoms continue or get worse. You can reduce stomach pain and feel better by following these tips.

Stomach aches can occur from a number of causes. There are many treatments that you can use to reduce your symptoms and make it feel better. You can prevent stomach pains from happening by learning the cause, treatment options, and experts opinions.