How to Get Rid of a Stomach Ache
Tossing and Turning
Have you ever had one of those nights where you toss and turn in bed because of stomach ache? You clutch a pillow and curl your body to alleviate some discomfort but the pain is still there. You start recalling what you had for dinner and blame yourself for eating whatever it is you had eaten.
But you see, your stomach can’t take all the blame whenever you have stomach ache. Abdominal pain is often used to refer to stomach ache and for good reason. The pain you feel may be caused by problems in other organs that can be found in the abdominal area such as the intestines, gall bladder, kidneys, liver, and pancreas. But whatever the cause, one thing is for certain: Intense pain comes with it. Read on to find out how to get rid of a stomach ache.
What Causes Stomach Ache?
Stomach ache is a symptom of many conditions. In order to stop a stomach ache, you need to identify its cause. The following are some of the most common causes of a stomach ache:
- Constipation -One of the most common reasons people experience abdominal pain is constipation. Haven’t you had bowel movement for a while? Do you have a hard time every time you go to the bathroom? If so, it is very likely that you have constipation.
- Diarrhea -Do you find yourself moving your bowels often? Are your bowel movements runny and watery? Then your stomach ache is caused by diarrhea. This is caused by an infection in the intestines or another organ of your body.
- Food - Many people suffer from stomach ache from drinking or eating too much. This is because the stomach may become upset if you eat too quickly, eat greasy and spicy foods, or eat something you have an allergy to.
- Infection - Stomach ache can also be caused by an infection in a part of the body that is not found in the abdominal area. An ear infection, sore throat, or the flu can also cause stomach ache.
- Stress - The term “nervous stomach” is used to refer to stomach ache that is caused by stress. If you constantly think of all the problems in your life, you can get sharp pains in your belly.
How to Get Rid of a Stomach Ache Fast
After determining the cause of your stomach pain, the next step is to learn how to alleviate the pain and know when you need to see the doctor. Here are some tips to help you relieve the discomfort and get rid of a stomach ache fast.
1. Use a warm compress.
Apply a warm compress to your stomach. This will not totally get rid of the pain but it will definitely relieve some discomfort.
2. Go to the bathroom.
Even if you don’t feel like it, pay your bathroom a visit. Try to flush out whatever it is that causes you pain. This is especially recommended for those who have not moved their bowels for a while. It is vital to regulate your bowel movements because it is your body’s way of telling you to remove the unwanted material inside your body.
3. Pass gas.
Not allowing gas to pass may cause you to be bloated and get stomach cramps. If you are with someone else, excuse yourself politely and go to the bathroom.
4. Watch what you eat.
If you have abdominal pain, avoid spicy and greasy foods and foods that are hard to digest. You do not want to add burden to your stomach by making it digest such foods. Instead, eat fiber-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, and herbs that aid in digestion such as ginger, peppermint, and aloe vera juice.
5. Treat constipation.
If you have problems with constipation, you may have to change your eating habits. Include fiber-rich foods in your diet and avoid sugary drinks. Also make sure that you drink plenty of water every day. Exercise is also one of the best ways to keep your digestive system healthy and moving. Stop spending too much time in front of the computer and have time to exercise.
6. Avoid stress.
Stress does a lot of bad things for you so try your best to avoid stress. Let it all out; talk to your parents or a close friend. If you continue to live under stress, your worries may come out from another place while you are inside the bathroom.
7. Pain in the brain.
Sometimes, the pain in your stomach may really just be a pain in the brain. It greatly helps if you keep your thoughts away from the condition you're in and tell yourself that the pain will go away. This especially helps when you are trying to go to sleep while your stomach is aching.
When to See the Doctor?
Sometimes, stomach ache is a symptom of a serious illness. If your abdominal pain is accompanied by any of the following, consult your doctor immediately:
- Fever
- Vomiting blood
- Bloody stools
- Breathing difficulty
- Inability to pass stool
- Pain is experienced during pregnancy
- Pain lasts for several days
How to Prevent a Stomach Ache
As your parents always tell you, prevention is better than cure. Here are a few simple ways on how to prevent a stomach ache.
- Eat slowly and do not eat too much. Otherwise, your stomach may have problems digesting your food properly.
- Eat fiber-rich foods to help regulate your bowel movements.
- Always wash your hands before eating. You might catch an infection if you eat with dirty hands,
- Do not eat right before going to sleep.
- Exercise regularly. This helps keep your digestive system healthy.
- Do not deprive yourself of sleep. Lack of sleep may contribute to stress and causes your body to do its functions less efficiently. A good night's sleep and plenty of rest might be just what you need to prevent and get rid of a stomach ache.
Around the web: