Stomach aches are common, and many home remedies can help ease the discomfort. One of the simplest methods is to drink plenty of fluids, which helps flush out the digestive system and rehydrate the body. Some people also find that drinking warm liquids, such as herbal tea or soup, can help to relax the stomach muscles and ease the pain. Other effective home remedies include eating smaller meals more frequently, avoiding trigger foods, and taking over-the-counter medications such as antacids or anti-diarrheal drugs. In most cases, stomach aches will resolve on their own within a few hours. However, suppose pain persists or is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. In that case, it is important to see a doctor to rule out more serious causes. In the meantime, here are five possible reasons of that pesky stomachache:
Indigestion
Indigestion is a common condition that affects millions of people each year. The most common cause is eating too much or too quickly. Eating large meals or eating more than your stomach can comfortably hold can cause indigestion. Eating spicy or fatty foods can also trigger indigestion, as can drinking alcohol or carbonated beverages. Symptoms of indigestion often occur after meals and cause a burning sensation in the upper abdomen, bloating, and nausea. Hence, you can avoid this discomfort by eating smaller meals slowly and chewing more thoroughly.
Constipation
Constipation is a condition in which you would have difficulty passing stools. It can be caused by irregular bowel habits, a lack of fiber in the diet, or dehydration. In most cases, constipation is not a severe condition and can be treated at home with lifestyle changes, such as eating more fiber and drinking more fluids. However, if constipation persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or blood in the stool, it may be indicative of a more serious condition and should be evaluated by a doctor. When this happens, they will likely refer you to further tests that can help them look into your digestive system. This might mean getting imaging tests or an endoscopy exam. But if your doctor must get a direct look at your organs, they will likely recommend an endoscopy. Given this, you should follow your doctor’s orders and avail local endoscopy services that can help you get accurate results. The sooner you get a diagnosis, the sooner you can start treatment and feel better.
Menstrual Cramps
For many women, menstrual cramps are a monthly reality that can vary in severity depending on a woman’s pain tolerance. The pain can range from mild to severe, making everyday activities difficult. Menstrual cramps hurt because prostaglandins, a hormone, cause muscles in the uterus to contract, leading to inflammation and pain. With this, you can reduce the pain by taking over-the-counter pain medications, using a hot compress, or getting regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight. However, although cramps are common, it’s still essential to see your doctor for further evaluation, as there may be an underlying condition that needs to be treated.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is caused by consuming food or drink contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or toxins. It can occur when food is not cooked properly or if it is a perishable that was left out of the fridge for too long. The symptoms of food poisoning often start after a few hours of eating the contaminated food and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. If you think that you may have food poisoning, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible so that they can give you proper treatment. In the meantime, you can ease your symptoms by drinking plenty of fluids that will help prevent dehydration, resting so your body can recover more quickly, and avoiding greasy or spicy foods so you can keep your symptoms in check, as they can sometimes make them worse.
Stomach Flu
The stomach flu is a highly contagious infection of the digestive tract. The most common cause is the Norovirus, which is spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or food. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, watery diarrhea, as well as abdominal pain, and even a fever. The stomach flu typically lasts for one to three days, although some people may experience symptoms for up to a week or more. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing dehydration. Commonly recommended strategies include drinking clear fluids like water or sports drinks, avoiding dairy and fatty foods, and getting plenty of rest. However, consult a doctor immediately if you experience severe vomiting or diarrhea.
Stomach aches are never any fun—but, in most cases, they’re nothing serious. Still, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and see a doctor if you’re experiencing severe pain or other persistent symptoms. And if you think you might have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
