Everyone gets stomach aches from
time to time, but if you have severe abdominal pain that comes and goes or is
accompanied by bloody stools, weight loss, nausea and vomiting, you should see
your doctor.
Your doctor will diagnose your
abdominal pain based on your symptom history, physical examination and testing.
This will help them find the cause of your pain and decide the best treatment
for you.
Over-the-Counter
Medicines
Many over-the-counter medicines can
relieve stomach pain. However, if the pain is caused by an underlying condition
such as heartburn, ulcers or GERD, or if it is chronic or recurring, a
prescription medicine may be needed.
For example, a prescription
medication called lansoprazole (Prevacid), omeprazole (Prilosec) or
esomeprazole (Nexium) can treat acid reflux and GERD to prevent the burning of
the stomach lining by reducing the production of stomach acid. Some
over-the-counter medications also contain antacids, which are neutralizing
agents that reduce acid levels in the stomach.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
drugs (NSAIDs), like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium, can cause bleeding
in the stomach or intestines if taken regularly. They can also irritate the
stomach lining and interfere with the normal process of digesting food.
NSAIDs can also lead to stomach
problems in people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking prescription
medications or have liver or kidney disease. They can also cause stomach ulcers
and perforation in the lining of the stomach or intestines.
Other OTC medicines for stomach pain
include antacids, which neutralize stomach acid and relieve symptoms of
heartburn (Table 2). For instance, Kaopectate, the active ingredient in a
product known as Pepto-Bismol, coats the esophagus and acts as a barrier to
reflux that causes pain.
Bismuth subsalicylate, the active
ingredient in products such as Mylanta and Zantac, protects the lining of the
stomach. It is not as effective at relieving stomach discomfort as other
medications, but it is still safe to use for stomach upset and nausea.
Proton pump inhibitors, which
inhibit the release of gastric acids from the stomach, can be prescribed to
help prevent GERD and heartburn. They are also used to treat ulcers and stomach
inflammation.
If you are having trouble deciding
which OTC medicine will be right for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist
about the different brands and dosages available. Then, follow the instructions
for use on the label.
Other medicines that can relieve pait dard
ka ilaj are
heating pads and chamomile or peppermint tea. Avoid foods that irritate the
stomach, such as spicy and fatty foods, dairy products and alcohol. It is also
recommended that you drink plenty of water, as dehydration can increase pain
and make it hard to move.
Prescription
Medicines
There are many different types of
medicines used to treat stomach pain. Some can be found over-the-counter (OTC)
and others require a doctor's prescription. Both can have side effects, so it's
important to follow the directions carefully.
Most OTC medicines are safe for use
and do not cause serious side effects if taken as directed on the label.
However, it is best to discuss your medicine with your health care provider if
you are having any unusual side effects after using an OTC product.
Over-the-counter medicines that may
cause stomach irritation include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
like ibuprofen and naproxen, and fever reducers such as acetaminophen. Some can
cause ulcers in the lining of the stomach and intestinal tract.
Prescription medications, on the
other hand, can help treat stomach pain by addressing its root cause. For
example, NSAIDs and antibiotics can treat an infection that is causing stomach
inflammation or pain. These medicines can also be prescribed to control
heartburn or block excess stomach acid, which can relieve your pain and
discomfort.
A proton pump inhibitor (PPI) such
as Nexium, Prilosec, or Prevacid helps reduce the amount of stomach acid that
leaks out of your stomach and into your esophagus when you have heartburn or
other acid problems. They can also be prescribed to treat stomach ulcers and
other conditions resulting from excess stomach acid, such as gastroesophageal
reflux disease (GERD).
Steroids and anti-inflammatory
medicines, which are usually given by your doctor, are sometimes used as
treatments for stomach pain. They help reduce your pain and inflammation by
blocking the production of compounds called prostaglandins.
In addition, steroids can also slow
the movement of nerves in the gut and make it less sensitive to pain. This can
make it easier for your doctor to pinpoint the exact problem that is causing
your pain and get it under control.
Another type of drug, a narcotic, is
often prescribed for chronic stomach pain. Although narcotics may relieve your
stomach pain and discomfort, they can increase the amount of pain you feel and
are not recommended for long-term use.
Surgery
Surgery is the process of cutting
open a part of the body to repair or remove it. It is often used to treat
life-threatening medical conditions and can be performed as an emergent or
elective procedure.
Abdominal surgery involves cutting
open the abdomen to treat abdominal pain and other problems that affect the
stomach, small intestines and the colon (also called the rectum). It is done
for a variety of reasons including hernias, ulcers, tumors, infection and bowel
disease.
Some of these surgeries are needed
to address more serious issues like appendicitis and pregnancy problems, but
most people only need relief from their symptoms.
If your doctor recommends surgery to
treat stomach pain, the first step is to find a qualified surgeon who has
experience with the condition you have. It is a good idea to ask for referrals
from friends or family members, and to check the credentials of each
practitioner you consider.
The most important factors to
consider before choosing a surgeon include whether the surgeon has specialized
in the condition you want treated, and if they offer a good range of treatment
options. The surgeon will also be able to answer your questions about the
surgery and provide you with information about what to expect.
You should also take note of the
surgery’s potential risks, such as complications from anesthesia or surgical
instruments, and the hospital’s policies on how they handle these problems.
Some complications are serious and can be fatal.
After surgery, your doctor will
usually prescribe medications to control pain and other side effects. These may
be given by mouth or by injection into a vein, such as through a tube called an
intravenous catheter. These medications include analgesics, such as
acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
There are also non-anesthetic
medicines such as narcotics and pait dard, which help you lose water and salt and flush out fluids
that accumulate in the body. These drugs can be used to prevent and treat
swelling and fluid retention after surgery, and they are often effective at
reducing post-surgical pain.
The most critical steps in the
success of your surgery are following instructions from your doctor, ensuring
that you have plenty of rest and water, and staying on schedule with the
medication you receive after the surgery. Other measures that can make your
recovery easier include regular exercise and a good diet. You should also talk
with your doctor about any changes in your appetite or weight.
Home
Management
Stomach pain is a common condition
that can range from mild and self-limiting to serious. It can be caused by a
variety of things, including food allergies, acid reflux, constipation or an
underlying condition. Some conditions, such as ulcers or GERD (gastroesophageal
reflux disease), require treatment with medications.
If the pain is not mild and
self-limiting, or it comes back or gets worse, see your healthcare provider.
They will ask you a series of questions and perform physical exams to help
diagnose the cause.
You may be prescribed an over-the-counter
antacid. This can relieve some stomach aches and can also help you prevent
another one from occurring in the future. It can also help prevent the build-up
of acid in your stomach.
In addition to the over-the-counter
medications, your healthcare provider may prescribe other treatments for
stomach pain if they believe it is a problem. These include antibiotics, pain
medication and other medications to treat the underlying issue.
Your healthcare provider will also
be able to tell if the pain is a temporary condition that will go away on its
own. They will also be able to decide if you should seek emergency care or if
your pain is more serious and needs to be treated immediately.
The location of your abdominal pain
can be a clue as to what's causing it. The upper right abdomen is home to your
liver, gallbladder and bile ducts. It also houses the first sections of your
small and large intestines.
When you're experiencing stomach
pain, it's important to stay hydrated. Drinking water can help your large intestine
move more easily and will also keep your stomach's acid level in check.
If you are feeling bloated, try
eating bananas, rice or applesauce. These foods are low in fiber and high in
binding, which can help your stomach move more smoothly through the gastrointestinal
tract.
A diet called the "BRAT"
diet - that is, pait dard ka herbal
ilaj, applesauce and toast - can help
your stomach move more efficiently and can ease any stomach discomfort you are
experiencing. It can also help your body better digest other types of foods,
like dairy or sugar.
