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How to Cure a Stomach Ache Fast
You may experience a stomach ache for a variety of different reasons. Some causes of stomach aches include serious diseases, such as bowel disease or even cancer. Other more common causes of stomach aches include constipation, flu, gas, food poisoning or lactose intolerance. If you have a stomach ache, you can take steps to alleviate the pain quickly. Various treatments are available to help you cure your stomach ache fast.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Consider your stomach ache 1. If the pain feels similar to a stomach ache you've had in the past, it's likely caused by the same issue you had before. Generally, mild to moderate stomach aches are caused by gas, constipation, flu, food poisoning or indigestion. If you have an intense stomach ache, see your doctor immediately as it could be the sign of a more serious underlying problem.
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Treat constipation. If you haven't had a bowel movement recently, your stomach ache is likely due to constipation. Take over-the-counter fiber supplements, laxatives or stool softeners, which can encourage bowel movements. Drink plenty of water to aid in the passing of your stool. If you wish to cure your stomach ache in the fastest manner available, opt for an enema, which generally causes a bowel movement within an hour of use.
Take gas medication. If you suspect your stomach ache is due to indigestion or gas, you can take over-the-counter medications to treat the issue. Such medication will relieve pressure from the gas, helping to alleviate your stomach ache quickly.
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Consume ginger. This natural remedy is often used to remedy stomach aches. You can eat either fresh ginger or drink ginger tea or ginger ale. There are also ginger lozenges or chews available in most health and drug stores.
Use heat. Place a heating pad on the area of your stomach that hurts. The heat will help to alleviate stomach pain as it relaxes the muscles in the area. Apply the heat for approximately 10-minute intervals.
Try pain relievers. Over-the-counter oral pain medications such as acetaminophen can alleviate pain from a stomach ache. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, which can encourage bleeding, making them poor choices for stomach aches.
Rest. If your stomach ache is due to food poisoning or intestinal flu, there is unfortunately no known cure. You simply have to wait for the illness or suspect food to pass through your body. If you rest, your immune system will be better fortified to fight off the issue, thereby helping to cure your stomach ache more quickly.
Tips
Drink plenty of clear liquids while you are ill. Dehydration will only worsen your illness.
Related Articles
References
- Mayo Clinic
- MedlinePlus
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Chamomile. Updated November 29, 2016.
- NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Peppermint oil. Updated December 1, 2016.
- Prasad S, Tyagi AK. Ginger and its constituents: role in prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2015;2015:142979. doi:10.1155/2015/142979
- The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Food allergy. Updated 2019.
Tips
- Drink plenty of clear liquids while you are ill. Dehydration will only worsen your illness.
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