There are many possible causes of abdominal pain.If you are dealing with this unpleasant condition, you can get some relief by applying heat, staying hydrated, and sticking to mild foods until your symptoms start to ease up.If your abdominal pain is severe, sudden, or persistent, you should see your doctor.There are precautions you can take to protect yourself from some of the most common causes of abdominal pain.
Step 1: Put a hot water bottle on your body.
If you are having abdominal pains, a little heat can help.Lie down and place a hot water bottle against your abdomen.Wrap the bottle in a layer of cloth to prevent burns.You can use an electric heating pad to get relief, but make sure you don't lie down on top of it or fall asleep with it on your body.Don't leave a turned-on heating pad unattended.
Step 2: Get relief by soaking in a warm bath.
A warm bath can bring relief and help relax your muscles.Make sure the water is warm and not too hot.For 20 minutes, soak.If you want, you can add some salt to the bath.This ingredient can help soothe pain.
Step 3: If you can keep them down, drink warm water and other fluids.
Dehydration and abdominal pain are related.You can soothe your pain by drinking water or other clear fluids.Eating ice chips or a popsicle will help you keep fluids down.You should go to the emergency room if you can't keep fluids down.Do not drink ice-cold water because it may make your abdominal pain worse.
Step 4: Don't drink coffee, tea, or alcohol.
These beverages can make your pain worse.Coffee and alcohol can cause your stomach to produce more acid.If your abdominal pain is caused by indigestion, herbal teas made with ginger or mint may be helpful.As an alternative to black tea, reach for one of these.
Step 5: Stay on the BRAT diet until you feel better.
If your abdominal pain is caused by indigestion, try eating bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.If you've been vomiting, this diet is helpful.If you are vomiting, it is a good idea to avoid solid foods until you can keep your fluids down.If you feel ready, eat some saltine crackers or a plain toast.
Step 6: Talk to your doctor about using antacids.
Antacids may be helpful if your abdominal pain is caused by excess stomach acids.If you feel like you need to use antacids every day or if you don't know what's causing your abdominal pain, talk to your doctor.Some forms of antacid, such as those containing magnesium, can cause vomiting.
Step 7: Discuss the use of pain relief medications with your doctor.
Over-the-counter pain medications can help with abdominal pain.If you have a problem with your stomach or intestines, acetaminophen can be helpful.Ibuprofen or naproxen may be better for periods and other abdominal pain.If you don't know what's causing your abdominal pain, talk to your doctor.If you use the wrong medication, it could make your pain worse.If the pain is coming from your stomach, aspirin or ibuprofen could cause further irritation.Ibuprofen can also cause abdominal pain.
Step 8: If your abdominal pain lasts several days, you should see your doctor.
If your abdominal pain lasts for more than a few days, you should make an appointment to see your doctor.This could be a sign of a more serious problem.If your abdominal pain is severe or accompanied by any of the other symptoms, you should get emergency medical care.
Step 9: Information about your symptoms should be given to your doctor.
You should tell your doctor how long the pain has been going on and when it started.Since different types of abdominal pain are associated with different causes, this information will help them narrow down the cause of your pain and come up with a good treatment plan.If the pain is accompanied by other symptoms, tell your doctor.Explain the location of the pain and what it feels like, for example, on the right side of your lower abdomen or just above your belly button.If you've been around anyone else with the same symptoms, tell them.Discuss any other health conditions and how you are managing them.
Step 10: Allow your doctor to do an exam.
During your visit to the doctor's office, they will want to take your vitals and conduct a physical exam.They may ask you to lie down on the table so they can feel your abdomen and determine if you are tender to the touch.They may recommend further tests, such as a blood test to check for signs of infections, X-rays, or other tests to look for evidence of the problem.
Step 11: Follow instructions from your doctor.
Home care instructions and treatment approaches will depend on what is causing your abdominal pain.They can prescribe drugs to treat the underlying condition that is causing the pain.They may suggest that you rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid certain types of food.Do not take any medications that are not prescribed by your doctor.If you have questions or concerns, contact your doctor's office.
Step 12: Avoid foods that cause abdominal pain.
If you notice that you tend to get abdominal pain after eating, it's a good idea to keep a food journal.Try to identify which foods cause your pain by looking through the journal.If you feel better after cutting those foods from your diet, try it.Acidic foods, such as fruit juices, tomato products, chocolate, and coffee are some of the culprits.
Step 13: A balanced diet is what you should eat.
A healthy diet is easier on your stomach than a poor one, and it can also improve your overall health and reduce your risk of abdominal pain.You can benefit from a diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables, lean and healthy fats, and lots of fiber.
Step 14: Don't eat too much.
Eating a lot of food in one sitting can cause abdominal pain.If you want to avoid temptation to eat until you are uncomfortably full, try to keep your food portion sizes small.Pay attention to the signals your body gives you when you are no longer hungry.If you don't know what portion sizes are healthiest for you, talk to your doctor or a dietitian.
Step 15: Limit the amount of alcohol you consume.
Alcohol can make you upset.If you drink too much on a regular basis, you are at risk of developing more serious conditions that can cause abdominal pain.If you're a woman and a man, try to limit your alcohol intake to no more than 1 drink per day.If you're dependent on alcohol, talk to your doctor about quitting.
Step 16: Go to the bathroom often.
Constipation is one of the most common causes of abdominal pain.It can also cause gas inside your belly to build up, leading to pain.If you feel the urge to go to the bathroom, try to do so as soon as possible.It's harder to have a bowel movement when you're waiting.Gradually incorporating more fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, into your diet is one way to prevent constipation.
Step 17: Use stress-relief techniques.
Stress can affect more than just your mood.Stress can cause a variety of physical symptoms.Stress can make abdominal pain worse if you have an underlying health condition.You can help manage stress by practicing relaxation techniques, getting exercise, spending time with friends and family, and doing arts and crafts.
Step 18: Good-quality sleep lasts between 7 and 9 hours each night.
Getting plenty of sleep can help your body heal from the stresses of the day and minimize a variety of unpleasant physical symptoms, including abdominal pain.You can get 7 to 9 hours of sleep if you go to bed early each night.It is possible to improve the quality of your sleep by turning off all bright screens at least half an hour before bed.
Step 19: Good hygiene is used when handling and preparing food.
It's possible to get a painful gastrointestinal infection if you prepare food wrong.Before and after making your food, wash your hands and utensils.Store your food correctly when you are done.If you wash fresh produce before you eat it, you can remove harmful pesticides and reduce your risk of getting abdominal infections.
Step 20: If possible, avoid people with the stomach flu.
There are many forms of stomach flu.If you know someone who has stomach flu symptoms, try to limit your contact with them until they feel better.If you must be in close contact with someone who has the stomach flu, you can protect yourself by: washing your hands frequently with soap and warm water, not sharing eating utensils or other personal items, and cleaning any surfaces that the sick person has touched.