What to Do If You Have a Stomach Ache: Top Tips for Quick Relief

There can be many reasons for stomach ache, most of which are not serious. Whether the stomach ache is mild or severe, it does not reveal the seriousness of the problem. Some common causes of stomach ache are gas in the stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, menstrual pain, etc.

There are many organs in the stomach, which can have pain at any time due to any reason. Sudden severe pain in the stomach can be due to infection of the intestine or stomach. It can also be caused by injury to the stomach or a muscle of the stomach being stretched.

Some serious causes of stomach pain are appendicitis, kidney stone, stomach ulcer or pancreatitis etc.

It is difficult to find out the cause of stomach pain, so if your stomach pain is not getting cured or is too much, then go to the doctor as it can be a sign of a serious problem.

(Read more - Lower Abdominal Pain)

Most of the stomach ache problem gets cured on its own in some time, but sometimes it may be necessary to go to the doctor for this. In case of stomach ache, do first aid in the following way -

• Take rest because most of the stomach ache gets cured on its own by taking rest.
• Apply hot compress on the stomach.
• Do not do too much physical exercise. 
• Take a bath with hot water. Keep in mind that the temperature of the water should not be too high, otherwise your skin may burn.
• If you are stressed, then go for a walk. 
• Drink as much water as possible. 
• If you have constipation, then put a little rock salt in water and take a bath with that water. 
• Do not drink alcohol, tea or coffee, these can increase the pain. 
• If you are having stomach cramps, drink a little mint tea. 
• Do not eat too much. 
• If you are vomiting due to stomach pain, chew ginger.
• Antacid medicines available at medical stores can be taken for stomach pain.
• If you have diarrhea, drink liquids instead of eating something. 
• Take painkillers available at medical stores for stomach pain. Remember not to take aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines, these can increase the pain. 
• Massage the stomach with light hands.

(Read more - Home remedies for stomach pain)

In the following situations, go to your doctor immediately -

• Sudden and severe stomach pain. 
• The pain does not subside even after trying primary and home remedies.
• If you are pregnant and you are having stomach pain. 
• Pain when you touch your stomach.
• If you have a fever or are vomiting. 
• Pain in the testicles. 
• If you are vomiting blood or the color of the vomit is like coffee. 
• If you are short of breath. 
• If there is blood in your stool or it is very sticky or the stool smells very bad. 
• If there is pain while passing stool or urine. 
• If you are having pain in your chest and the pain is spreading to the neck and shoulders.
• If there is blood in your urine. 
• If you are not able to pass stools and gas is also not passing. 
• If you have a burning sensation in your chest and it is not getting cured. 
• If you are sweating a lot. 
• If you have diabetes. 
• If you had a stomach injury some time ago. 

(Read more - Natural Relief: Acupressure Points to Soothe Stomach Pain)

In case of stomach pain, first of all rest and eat light, easily digestible food like porridge or banana. Drink enough water, but do not take too much water at once. If there is gas or acidity in the stomach, then consuming ginger tea, mint oil, or celery can be beneficial. Apply a hot water bottle to the stomach to relax the muscles. Avoid heavy, fried, and spicy food. If the pain persists, or there are serious symptoms like vomiting, fever, or bleeding, consult a doctor immediately.