How to Treat Stomach Pain in Adults: A Guide

How to Treat Stomach Pain in Adults: A Guide 

Moderate stomach pain is described as cramps or a dull ache in the stomach that is often not serious or lasts long. Severe abdominal pain is a cause for concern, and you should contact your doctor. 

Different types of abdominal pain: 

• Stomach cramps with bloating
• Sudden stomach cramps with diarrhoea 
• Sudden severe abdominal pain 
• Long-term or recurring abdominal pain 

Possible causes of stomach pain: 

• Stomach cramps with bloating can be caused by trapped flatulence (wind). 
• Sudden stomach cramps with diarrhoea can be caused by gastroenteritis. 
• A possible cause of long-term or recurring abdominal pain includes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), constipation, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), heartburn and acid reflux, stomach ulcer, and a urinary tract infection (UTI).  
• Causes of severe and sudden abdominal pain include appendicitis, kidney stones, acute cholecystitis, or diverticulitis. 

Sudden and severe pain abdominal pain can be a sign of a serious problem and could get worse without treatment. Speak to your doctor or seek emergency care if you have severe abdominal pain in a concentrated area or if the pain starts unexpectedly or suddenly. 

Treatment options for stomach pain in adults

Over-the-counter medications:

• For pain associated with constipation, a laxative or mild stool softener may help. 
• For pain caused by flatulence (gas), medicine with the active ingredient, simethicone, can help. 
• For pain and discomfort caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), an acid reducer or antacid may help. 
• For pain caused by diarrhea and cramping, medicine that contains the active ingredient bismuth subsalicylate or loperamide may help you feel better. 
• Medication with acetaminophen (Tylenol, Aspirin Free Anacin, Panadol, and Liquiprin) may help for other types of pain associated with the abdomen. 
• Stay away from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs, as they can irritate your stomach and cause further discomfort. 

It is always important to follow your doctor or pharmacist’s instructions with any medications and not take more than the recommended dose. 

Home Remedies:

• Ensure to drink plenty of clear fluids to remain hydrated. 
• Use a heating pad to ease belly pain. 
• Peppermint or chamomile tea may help with flatulence (gas). 
• Reduce stress through yoga, exercise, or meditation. 
• Chew your food thoroughly and slowly. 
• Consume smaller meals instead of eating three big meals. 
• Avoid foods such as spicy or fried foods that may cause heartburn or acid reflux. 

When to See a Doctor:

• If you have severe, persistent (lasts several days) stomach pains. 
• If it hurts to urinate. 
• If there is blood in your urine. 
• If you have bloody stools. 
• If you cannot pass a stool (constipation), especially if you are vomiting. 
• If your heartburn does not improve after a period of 2 weeks or with the use of over-the-counter medication. 
• If you have persistent (lasts for several days) nausea and fever. 

When to call 911: 

• If you are vomiting blood
• If you are pregnant and experience vaginal bleeding or belly pain
• If you have difficulty breathing. 
• If there is pain in your lower right abdomen and that area is tender to touch. Other symptoms that may be present include fever and vomiting. These symptoms may be signs of appendicitis.