Abdominal pain is pain or discomfort in the abdomen. This condition is experienced by almost everyone at all ages, and some people may experience it more often than others. There are a number of possible causes of stomach pain, from eating wrong food to more serious health problems, such as appendicitis. Frequent abdominal pain may signal a serious health problem. So, it is very important for you to know how to deal with it and when to contact a doctor.
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Method 1 of 4: Relieve Stomach Pain with Medication
Step 1. Consider over-the-counter medications with medical advice
There are a number of over-the-counter medications that can be purchased to relieve an upset stomach. It's just that you have to choose the right medication to relieve the right symptoms. Before buying drugs, consult your doctor or pharmacist and follow the instructions on the packaging label carefully.
For information, if you experience persistent abdominal pain for several days in a row, you should contact your doctor and schedule an examination. Prolonged stomach pain can be a sign of a serious health problem
Step 2. Take an over-the-counter antacid or acid-reducing medication to treat the burning sensation in your chest
Examples of antacids or stomach acid-reducing drugs that can reduce the burning sensation in the chest include Promag, Mylanta, and Zantac. You usually feel this sensation when you lie down. These symptoms are caused by an increase in acid in the stomach. Antacids or over-the-counter gastric acid-reducing drugs will usually treat most symptoms of a burning sensation in the chest.
- If you continue to have a burning sensation in your chest for more than 2 weeks even while taking over-the-counter medications, or if your pain is severe, is accompanied by vomiting, or is unable to eat due to pain, call your doctor to schedule a check-up.
- For information, antacids containing aluminum can cause constipation. In addition, antacids containing magnesium can also cause diarrhea.
Step 3. Use a laxative or stool softener if you are constipated
Constipation is defined as infrequent or difficult bowel movements. Generally, constipation means the frequency of bowel movements less than 3 times a week. Constipation is quite common, but for some people, this condition can cause pain and discomfort in the stomach. Laxatives or stool softeners can help with this problem. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist first to find out which drugs you should try.
If your constipation persists for 3 weeks or more, call your doctor to schedule a check-up. You should also call your doctor if you start to lose weight or have bloody stools
Step 4. Use bismuth subsalicylate to relieve stomach pain and/or diarrhea
Bismuth subsalicylate can be purchased without a prescription (try Pepto-bismol, Kaopectate, or Bismatrol) and can help reduce bacteria that cause diarrhea or stomach discomfort.
- Bismuth subsalicylate can also be used to treat a burning sensation in the chest.
- Call your doctor and consult about your diarrhea if these symptoms last for 3 days or more, or are accompanied by blood.
Step 5. Use a pain reliever other than aspirin for stomach pain
Aspirin-derived pain relievers are harsh on the stomach and can even cause stomach bleeding, so avoid using them specifically. Ibuprofen and naproxen can also irritate the stomach. So, instead, use paracetamol to relieve stomach pain.
- Call your doctor if abdominal pain lasts for a few days or starts to worry you.
- Aspirin should not be given to children or adolescents unless prescribed by a doctor because of the risk of causing Reye's syndrome which may be dangerous.
Step 6. Try using paracetamol, ibuprofen or naproxen to relieve menstrual cramps
Choose one of these options and start using it as directed on the package, as soon as you have your period or experience cramps.
If these medications don't work, your doctor will prescribe a stronger medication for you
Method 2 of 4: Relieve Stomach Pain with Herbal Medicine
Step 1. Try drinking a cup of herbal tea
There are several herbal teas that you can choose from. You can drink a cup of herbal tea after every meal to help relieve an upset stomach. Here are three types of herbal teas that you can try:
- Chamomile tea contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can help relieve an upset stomach. You can buy chamomile tea at almost any convenience store. Try drinking a cup of tea after every meal to soothe the stomach. You should dip the tea bag in hot but not boiling water to prevent the active ingredients in the chamomile tea from spoiling.
- Mint tea is beneficial for bloating, gas, and indigestion because it relaxes the stomach muscles. Peppermint tea is sold at most convenience stores, but you can also use fresh mint leaves. Just put the tea leaves in a cup of hot water and let it sit for 10 minutes. For best results, enjoy this drink after every meal.
- Make rice tea. Rice tea is made from rice, water and honey. Boil a cup of rice in 6 cups of water for 15 minutes. Next, strain the rice water and put it in a bottle. Add a little sugar or honey, and enjoy while warm. Rice tea is known to help relieve stomach aches.
Step 2. Try a yogurt and fruit juice mix
Yogurt can help improve digestion because it contains active bacterial cultures. Mix yogurt with fruit juice to make a healthy snack that can aid digestion. Try mixing 1 part yogurt with 1 part fruit juice.
- Drink carrots, apples, and peaches are useful for relieving indigestion. Avoid acidic fruits such as oranges because they are hard for an ailing stomach.
- The label on the yogurt package includes information on whether active bacterial cultures are contained in it. Be sure to buy yogurt that contains active cultures if you're going to use it for an upset stomach.
Step 3. Drink apple cider vinegar to relieve indigestion
Try mixing a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a cup of warm water and a tablespoon of honey. This mixture will help relieve cramps, bloating, and even a burning sensation in the chest.
Step 4. Use ginger
Ginger has been used for hundreds of years to relieve stomach aches. Research shows that the anti-inflammatory properties in ginger are the most effective. You can consume fresh ginger, in capsules, or in soft drinks.
Step 5. Try applying a warm compress to your stomach using a heating pad or hot water bottle
For maximum effect, the temperature of the pillow or bottle should be around 40 °C. A heating pad or hot water bottle will activate heat receptors deep in the body, resulting in less pain.
This treatment is recommended especially for menstrual pain
Method 3 of 4: Relieving Pain by Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Avoid consumption of certain foods
The condition of each body is different, so it is difficult to determine which foods to avoid. Pay attention to how you feel after eating certain foods. This step will help you quickly find out what food is causing the problem. Consult your doctor if you are allergic to certain foods, sensitive to gluten, or have celiac disease. In particular, pay close attention to the consumption of the following foods:
- Processed foods, including fast food, white bread, sausage, donuts, hamburgers, and potato chips.
- Dairy products can cause stomach upset in some people, especially if they are unknowingly lactose intolerant. Try staying away from dairy for a week to compare the difference, or try switching to soy milk.
- Spicy and fatty foods can irritate the stomach so they should be avoided when you have an upset stomach.
Step 2. Eat healthy food and drink water to help with stomach ache
The best food choices for stomach pain are fiber-rich foods. Your stomach ache may be caused by a lack of fiber in your diet. You should also drink water as recommended, which is about 2 to 3 liters a day (9-13 cups).
Fiber-rich foods include fruits such as bananas, vegetables such as broccoli, and whole grains. Especially plums, cherries, raisins, and apricots. These foods will help you have regular bowel movements and prevent constipation
Step 3. Stop consuming gas-causing foods
Healthy foods such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and yogurt can cause gas formation in the stomach and upset stomach. So, the consumption of foods like this within reasonable limits. To prevent gas formation, chew these foods (as well as other foods) until smooth, and don't swallow too fast.
Ginger soda can relieve stomach pain due to gas. After drinking, you can try to burp or pass gas to reduce pressure in the stomach. Over-the-counter medications such as Gazero may also help
Step 4. Avoid overeating
Even if you eat healthy foods, eating too much can cause discomfort and stomach pain. Try not to get your calorie intake from 1 or 2 meals, but divide your calorie needs into 3 meals and 1 or 2 snacks. To reduce the burden on the stomach, the following details the number of calories that should be consumed by teenagers every day.
- Boys aged 14–16 years need 3,100 calories when active and 2,300 calories when inactive. Meanwhile, adolescent girls in the same age range need 2,350 calories when active and 1,750 calories when inactive.
- Boys aged 17–18 years need 3,100 calories when active and 2,450 calories when inactive. Meanwhile, adolescent girls in the same age range need 2,400 calories when active and 1,750 calories when inactive.
Step 5. Avoid alcohol consumption
Teens shouldn't drink alcohol, but if they do, it may be causing your stomach ache. Alcohol can increase the acid produced by the stomach, and cause ulcers, acid reflux, and other problems. Alcohol can also cause vomiting and diarrhea.
Step 6. Reduce stress and anxiety
Stomach pain may be caused by stress, anxiety, and depression. Work on reducing your stress level. Try to exercise for 30 minutes every day by walking long distances or jogging. You can also reduce your intake of caffeine and sugar to reduce anxiety and soothe your stomach.
Consider talking to a counselor if you are dealing with severe stress or anxiety
Step 7. Get plenty of rest and live a healthy life during menstrual cramps
If your stomach pain is caused by menstrual cramps, you need to get plenty of rest. In addition, you should also avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine, and smoking.
Method 4 of 4: Knowing When to Seek Medical Help
Step 1. Understand that a stomach ache can be dangerous
The use of medications, herbal remedies, and/or lifestyle changes are not substitutes for medical treatment. Stomach pain may signal a serious problem, so you need to know which symptoms to take seriously and when to see a doctor.
Step 2. Go to the emergency room immediately if you have persistent severe pain
If you have stomach pain that is so severe that you can't sit still, or if you have to bend over to relieve it, you should visit the emergency department. This is the right move, especially if the pain is on the right side of the abdomen. You should also visit the emergency department to seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain with bloody stools, severe nausea and vomiting, yellowish-looking skin, abdominal swelling, or abdominal pain.
- If stomach pain occurs after an injury or car accident.
- See your doctor immediately if you experience abdominal pain and suspect that you are pregnant.
Step 3. Call your doctor if your stomach pain lasts for several days
If your stomach ache doesn't go away for a few days or starts to worry you, it's time to see a doctor. You should also call your doctor if you experience a burning sensation in your chest for several weeks that improves after using over-the-counter medications. Also call your doctor if abdominal pain is accompanied by fever and headache, poor appetite, weight loss, or pain when urinating.
Step 4. Call your doctor if you have menstrual cramps for more than 3 days
You should also call your doctor if your cramps are severe.
