Additional Tips for Easing an Upset Stomach
Here are some additional tips to help calm an upset stomach:
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Consuming a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water can help neutralize stomach acid and alleviate indigestion.
- Bland Foods: Opt for easily digestible foods like toast, crackers, and rice when experiencing stomach discomfort.
- Yogurt: The probiotics in yogurt can help balance the gut bacteria and improve digestion, making it a suitable choice for an upset stomach.
- Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea has calming properties that can help soothe the stomach and reduce inflammation.
- Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the abdomen can relax muscles and provide relief from cramps and pain.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
If your upset stomach persists for more than a few days, or if you experience severe symptoms such as persistent vomiting, blood in your stool, or severe abdominal pain, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare professional can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment for your condition.
Remember to listen to your body and take care of yourself when experiencing stomach discomfort. These remedies can be helpful in providing relief, but it is essential to consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms are persistent or severe.
Key facts
- Abdominal pain can be felt from below the ribcage to the pelvis
- Pain in the abdomen can be aching, stabbing, burning, twisting, cramping, or dull
- There are numerous causes of abdominal pain
- Most abdominal pain improves without specific treatment
- Visit a physician if symptoms worsen, are severe, recurring, or persistent
What is abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain encompasses discomfort felt anywhere from the lower ribcage to the pelvis. Most individuals will experience abdominal pain at some point in their lives.
Stomach pain can vary from mild to severe, abrupt to recurring, or chronic.
Abdominal pain is described using various terms such as stomach pain, stomach ache, stomach cramps, tummy pain, sore stomach, or belly ache.
Abdominal pain may present with belching, vomiting, changes in bowel habits, or urination issues.
Discuss your symptoms with a doctor to determine the cause of your stomach pain.
What symptoms are related to abdominal pain?
Discomfort in the abdomen could be aching, stabbing, burning, twisting, cramping, or dull.
Abdominal pain can manifest in different areas and may radiate, oscillating between constant and intermittent.
Accompanying symptoms might include burping, vomiting, alterations in bowel habits, or urination problems.
Detail your symptoms to your physician to help identify the cause of your pain.
What causes abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain can stem from problems in the digestive system or other organs like the kidneys or reproductive organs.
Causes of abdominal pain include food poisoning, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatus hernia, and peptic ulcers.
Bowel-related issues can also be a source of abdominal pain.
If you suspect your medications are causing stomach pain, discuss this with your doctor.
How is the cause of abdominal pain diagnosed?
Abdominal pain is a common symptom that necessitates assessment by a physician.
Your doctor will inquire about your pain, symptoms, medical history, age, recent travels, and medications to deduce the cause of your pain.
Additional tests may be recommended, and you might be referred to a specialist for further evaluation and treatment.
When should I see my doctor?
Consult a physician if you experience persistent, worsening, or recurring stomach pain.
Furthermore, seek medical advice if you observe vaginal bleeding, alterations in bowel habits, blood in stool, abdominal swelling, unexplained weight loss, yellowing of skin or eyes, or fevers.
Pregnant individuals experiencing abdominal pain should seek guidance from a healthcare professional.
When to seek urgent care
If you have severe abdominal pain, seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services.
Urgent care is crucial for intensifying pain, prolonged pain, pain disrupting sleep, or pain spreading to the neck, chest, or shoulders.
Emergency care is warranted for abdominal pain accompanied by bleeding, blood in urine, persistent vomiting, inability to urinate, fever, bloating, or feeling extremely unwell.
Heart-related pain exacerbated by activity could indicate angina or a heart attack. Contact emergency services if you experience symptoms of a heart attack.
It is important to listen to your body and seek medical attention promptly if you experience any concerning symptoms. Ignoring severe abdominal pain or other alarming symptoms could lead to serious complications.
How is abdominal pain treated?
The treatment of abdominal pain depends on the root cause of the issue.
Self-care at home
Mild abdominal pain may resolve on its own within a few hours or days.
If you have mild pain with a known cause, stay hydrated, avoid certain foods, rest, apply heat, and consider over-the-counter pain relief with advice from a pharmacist.
Always seek medical attention for severe or recurring abdominal pain.
Self-care suggestions can help manage mild stomach discomfort.
Medicines for mild abdominal pain
Pharmacy medications can assist in treating mild abdominal pain based on the cause.
Recommended medicines include pain relief, antispasmodic, anti-flatulence, and antacid medications, but refrain from aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs unless prescribed.
Other treatment options
Treatments for abdominal pain are contingent on the underlying cause, at times involving dietary alterations or urgent surgery.
Consult your physician before making significant dietary changes.
Can abdominal pain be prevented?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle through diet, exercise, hydration, and limited alcohol intake can promote gut health.
Specific diets may aid in managing abdominal pain stemming from conditions such as lactose intolerance or celiac disease, but consult a healthcare provider before eliminating foods.
Additional Resources and Support
For more information and support, consider exploring the following resources:
If you are experiencing abdominal pain, feel free to contact healthdirect at 1800 022 222 (NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) to speak with a registered nurse, 24/7.
Home Remedies for Upset Stomach
An upset stomach is a common term that encompasses various gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea.
If you are dealing with these symptoms, gastroenterologist Sarah Malik, MBBS, from Nebraska Medicine, recommends the following home remedies for relief:
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil has a long history of being used to address gastrointestinal issues. It has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anesthetic properties that can help with gut disorders. Peppermint oil can also help alleviate muscle contractions in the esophagus.
Eucalyptus Oil (from vapor rub)
Vapor rub contains ingredients that can provide relief when applied to the abdomen. It includes eucalyptus oil, which fights bacteria, boosts the immune system, and reduces inflammation. It also contains menthol, camphor oil, and nutmeg oil, known for their pain-relieving properties.
Ginger
For over 2,000 years, ginger root has been used to soothe upset stomachs. Research suggests that ginger tea with lemon is a soothing drink for nausea.
Sports Drinks and Non-Caffeinated Sodas
Vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Electrolyte-containing sports drinks can help prevent dehydration. If it’s difficult to keep fluids down, try sucking on ice chips and taking small sips of water. Non-caffeinated sodas like Sprite or ginger ale can also be consumed.
Avoid caffeinated sodas as they can exacerbate an upset stomach; the carbonation and caffeine may trigger acid reflux.
Foods to Avoid with Upset Stomach
Individuals with chronic stomach discomfort may be sensitive to certain foods, including:
- Caffeinated sodas: exacerbate acid reflux due to caffeine and carbonation.
- Dairy: should be avoided by individuals with lactose intolerance.
- Spicy foods: high spice levels can lead to stomach upset.
- Fried foods: high-fat content slows down digestion.
- Alcohol: excess alcohol can irritate the gut.
- Pain relievers: may cause nausea.
People with irritable bowel syndrome may experience increased bloating from foods like beans, legumes, onions, and celery.
Tips for a Sensitive Stomach
Here are some strategies to prevent indigestion or stomach upset:
- Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly.
- Opt for smaller, more frequent meals.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Avoid late-night eating.
- Incorporate soluble fiber into your diet.
- Identify and eliminate triggers from your diet.
- Maintain a bland diet with minimal spices.
When to Seek Medical Help for Stomach Pain
Stomach pain can manifest in various forms and intensities, ranging from occasional discomfort to persistent pain.
Signs indicating a more serious issue include:
- Continual or severe abdominal pain
- Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding (blood in vomit or stool)
- Anemia due to iron deficiency
- Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss
- Recurrent vomiting or diarrhea
Chronic stomach issues may suggest an underlying condition. If you are concerned, schedule an appointment at the University Health Center by calling 402.472.5000 for a thorough evaluation.