Cures for Stomach Pain

There are a number of prescription and over-the-counter remedies for stomach pain caused by factors such as heartburn, gas or gastric ulcer. Learning to pinpoint the cause of your stomach pain is the first step toward managing your symptoms.

• Stomach pain remedies come in many forms and preparations.

Gas Pain

• Gas is among the most common causes of stomach and intestinal pain. The pain caused by gas is generally sharp and stabbing, but can also be dull and fleeting. Foods such as beans are known to cause gas, as are most carbonated beverages.

  The best way to manage gas is by preventing it. Avoid foods that trigger symptoms, and take a preventive medicine like Beano before large meals. The over-the-counter medication simethicone (Gas-X) can help expel gas and provides fast relief from pain.

  Ginger and fennel seeds are excellent herbal remedies for gas. To obtain the benefits of these herbs, simply brew fresh or powdered ginger into a tea or chew a handful of fennel seeds after large meals.

Heartburn and Indigestion

• Pain caused by indigestion and heartburn is often described as stinging or burning and sometimes causes regurgitation of food into the esophagus. According to Nih.gov, approximately 15 million Americans suffer from daily heartburn, making it one of the most common causes of stomach pain.

  Over-the-counter antacids like Rolaids and Tums are generally safe and effective when taken as directed. They contain acid-reducing compounds like calcium carbonate and bismuth salicylate that work as soon as they reach the stomach. Adding a pinch of baking soda to a glass of water can also help neutralize stomach acid.

  Avoiding acidic foods like tomatoes and citrus fruits can help prevent heartburn, as can eating slowly in a relaxed setting.

Viral Infections

• The pain caused by stomach viruses may be intense and throbbing or dull and crampy. Virus-induced pain is often accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea or fever.

  One popular home remedy for stomach virus symptoms is flat 7-Up or Sprite. Taking one or two tablespoons by mouth at the onset of symptoms can help prevent vomiting and ease intestinal contractions that cause cramping and diarrhea. The over-the-counter anti-diarrheal Imodium (loperamide) is also great for easing intestinal spasms and relieving pain.

  Avoid solid foods while sick and drink plenty of distilled water to avoid dehydration and help cleanse the GI tract of harmful microbes.

Gastric and Intestinal Ulcers

• Ulcers are open sores in the stomach or intestines. They cause a sharp, gnawing pain that is aggravated by not eating or by eating the wrong foods.

  According to MayoClinic.com, most ulcers are caused by the H. pylori bacterium. Ulcer treatment usually involves a three-tiered approach that includes a proton pump inhibitor like Prilosec, an acid-blocking drug like Pepcid and an antibiotic to kill the bacteria. Deglycyrrhizinated (DGL) licorice is a popular herbal remedy for ulcer pain, as is raw honey, which coats the stomach and soothes the burning pain of ulcers.

  People with this condition are advised to avoid NSAID pain relievers like aspirin that can lead to stomach bleeding as well as reducing their intake of caffeine, alcohol and other GI irritants.

Warning

• Some herbs and medications may cause unwanted interactions or side effects, so talk to your doctor before trying a new stomach pain remedy. If you experience severe stomach pain lasting more than two weeks, seek medical help to rule out more serious conditions.