What to Do When You Have a Stomachache

Everyone experiences stomach pain at least once in their life.

1. Key Points

In many cases, stomach pain occurs alongside indigestion after drinking alcohol or overeating, and people often turn to home remedies to find quick relief. However, the reasons for stomachaches are not always so limited, so it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with how to handle stomach pain in advance, so you can respond appropriately when it happens. Today, we will look at what to do when you have a stomachache, as well as what medicines and foods to take when your stomach hurts. The first remedy for a stomachache is a warm compress, which is something I personally use often. When you warm your stomach when it hurts,

2. Detailed Explanation

the stomach pain definitely feels less intense, and it seems natural to reach for a heating device whenever stomach pain strikes. In fact, applying a warm compress relaxes the muscles in the abdomen, relieving the feeling of tension and easing cramps, which is known to help reduce stomach pain. To apply a warm compress, you can use a warm hot water bottle, a heat pack, or a water bottle to warm your stomach. If you do not have a hot water bottle or water bottle available, you can put rice inside a clean sock or cloth and heat it in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes before using. The second remedy for a stomachache is releasing gas.

3. How to Use

When the cause of stomach pain is indigestion, simply releasing gas that has built up in the intestines can provide relief from the pain. I recall visiting a hospital as a child due to stomach pain caused by gas buildup, and many people have likely had similar experiences. To effectively release gas, lie on your back and raise your feet and legs upward, then pull your knees toward your chest. If gas still does not come out, gently rock your body from side to side while hugging your knees. Raising your feet higher reduces the pressure felt in the abdomen

4. Additional Information

and the gas that had accumulated in the intestines will be released, relieving any discomfort as well. Along the same lines as the first method mentioned, soaking in a warm bath is another remedy for a stomachache. This method is said to be used especially often because it also promotes blood circulation. When taking a bath, it is recommended to soak for about 10 to 20 minutes, and adding 1 to 2 cups of salt to the bath is known to help reduce inflammation as well, so keep that in mind. Since stomach pain can also be caused by muscle contractions, giving yourself a massage can also be an effective remedy.

5. In-Depth Content

Slowly massaging around the navel in a clockwise direction can relieve cramping and help relax the muscles. You can focus on pressing the areas where the pain is most intense, but be careful not to press or rub too hard. Next, we will explain how to use medicine as a remedy for stomach pain, broken down by situation. First, if you feel a burning or stinging sensation near the upper abdomen along with stomach pain, this may be related to the stomach or esophagus, so it is recommended to take an antacid to address the cause of excessive stomach acid secretion.

6. Notes for Reference

If the upper part of your abdomen above the navel feels like it is being squeezed or has a stabbing sensation, stomach spasms may be suspected. In this case, it is recommended to take antispasmodics such as scopolamine or dicyclomine to relieve the stomach spasms. While NSAIDs may also help, they can damage the stomach lining, so acetaminophen-based pain relievers are recommended instead. Now, for pain in the lower abdomen below the navel, if there is a squeezing or stabbing sensation, you should consider the possibility of irritable bowel syndrome.

7. 7th Information

In such cases, taking antispasmodics or trimebutine-based intestinal motility regulators is recommended to prevent excessive intestinal activity. However, antispasmodics are generally more effective than motility regulators for relieving intestinal spasms. If you experience lower abdominal pain accompanied by diarrhea and frequent trips to the bathroom, antispasmodics or antidiarrheals may help. However, in cases of diarrhea caused by infection, taking antidiarrheals can actually prevent bacteria from being expelled from the body, potentially worsening symptoms, so caution is advised. Therefore, if there are no unusual symptoms such as fever and the diarrhea is relatively mild,

8. 8th Information

antidiarrheals may be used, and if the stomach pain is accompanied by diarrhea, it is best to use a medicine that contains antispasmodics. Constipation can also be a main cause of stomach pain, and in this case, it is recommended to eat foods high in fiber to help the intestines move smoothly. Examples of such foods include cabbage, seaweed, celery, oats, and sweet potatoes. Consistently eating these foods is known to relieve constipation and gradually reduce the number of days with stomach pain. I personally experience temporary constipation when I develop poor eating habits,

9. 9th Information

and eating fiber-rich foods has been helpful in those cases. I personally enjoy sweet potatoes and eat them often, and whenever I do, it seems my intestinal activity becomes more active, making bowel movements easier as well. Warm beverages can also provide relief. Ginger tea aids digestion, while chamomile and peppermint are known to relax contracted muscles. Continuing to take probiotics is also known to help resolve issues such as irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, indigestion, and constipation, and products containing live cultures

10. 10th Information

are said to provide even better results. The probiotics I currently take do not contain live cultures, so I am considering switching to a product that does. Stress management is also very important when dealing with stomach pain. Many studies have found a close link between stress and stomach pain, and stress is known to be one of the main causes of irritable bowel syndrome in particular. When under stress, the nervous system in the gut becomes more sensitive, which can trigger stomach pain. To relieve this, it is recommended to practice regular exercise, meditation, and yoga. Additionally, getting enough

11. 11th Information

sleep and finding your own way to manage stress are also effective in preventing stomach pain. Finally, if stomach pain persists or worsens, you should always visit a hospital. In particular, if the pain is accompanied by a high fever, blood in the stool, or hardening of the abdomen, you should seek medical attention immediately. If the stomach pain lasts more than 48 hours or if vomiting does not stop, it is also necessary to consult a specialist. While self-diagnosis and treatment are important, stomach pain can be a sign of a serious condition, so receiving appropriate medical care before symptoms worsen is the safest approach.