What Is The Best Over The Counter Medicine For Stomach Pain?
Contents
What is the best painkiller for stomach pain?
Caring for your abdominal pain – If the practitioner has given you pain relief, take this as advised. You should take simple pain relief regularly, eg paracetamol. You can take up to 8 paracetamol tablets in a single 24 hour period. It is often best to avoid using anti-inflammatory medication e.g. ibuprofen, unless instructed to do so by the practitioner looking after you.
Can I take paracetamol for stomach pain?
Self care – A minor abdominal problem will usually get better in about 2 hours. Try these ideas – and if they don’t help, see your doctor. For more severe pain or if you have any of the other symptoms listed above, see your doctor straight away.
Lie down and rest until you feel better. Sip on clear fluids. Don’t eat solids until the pain goes. A hot water bottle or wheat pack on your tummy may help – or a warm bath. You can take paracetamol for the pain – but no other types of painkillers, because they can irritate your stomach and make the pain worse.
If you have indigestion or heartburn, try an over-the-counter antacid such as Mylanta or Gaviscon.
Is paracetamol or ibuprofen better for stomach pain?
Call 911 if:
The pain is in your lower right abdomen and tender to the touch, and you also have fever or are vomiting. These may be signs of appendicitis.You’re vomiting blood.You have a hard time breathing.You’re pregnant and have belly pain or vaginal bleeding.
1. Over-the-Counter Medications
For gas pain, medicine that has the ingredient simethicone ( Mylanta, Gas-X ) can help get rid of it.For heartburn from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), try an antacid or acid reducer ( Pepcid AC, Zantac 75 ).For constipation, a mild stool softener or laxative may help get things moving again.For cramping from diarrhea, medicines that have loperamide ( Imodium ) or bismuth subsalicylate ( Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol ) might make you feel better.For other types of pain, acetaminophen ( Aspirin Free Anacin, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tylenol ) might be helpful. But stay away from non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen ( Advil, Midol, Motrin ), or naproxen ( Naprosyn, Aleve, Anaprox, Naprelan ). They can irritate your stomach.
2. Home Remedies You might try a heating pad to ease belly pain. Chamomile or peppermint tea may help with gas. Be sure to drink plenty of clear fluids so your body has enough water. You also can do things to make stomach pain less likely. It can help to:
Eat several smaller meals instead of three big onesChew your food slowly and wellStay away from foods that bother you (spicy or fried foods, for example)Ease stress with exercise, meditation, or yoga
3. When to See a Doctor It’s time to get medical help if:
You have severe belly pain or the pain lasts several daysYou have nausea and fever and can’t keep food down for several daysYou have bloody stoolsIt hurts to peeYou have blood in your urineYou cannot pass stools, especially if you’re also vomitingYou had an injury to your belly in the days before the pain startedYou have heartburn that doesn’t get better with over-the-counter drugs or lasts longer than 2 weeks
Is it OK to take ibuprofen for stomach pain?
Take over-the-counter pain relief – Over-the-counter pain relief like paracetamol and ibuprofen will rarely help ease diarrhoea or sickness, but it can help treat other symptoms, such as stomach ache, fever and aches and pains. You may also be able to get anti-vomiting or antidiarrheal medication without a prescription, but always read the leaflet and speak to a pharmacist or GP to see if they’re suitable.
How do I know if my stomach pain is serious?
When to Contact a Medical Professional – Get medical help right away or call your local emergency number (such as 911) if you:
Are currently being treated for cancerAre unable to pass stool, especially if you are also vomitingAre vomiting blood or have blood in your stool (especially if bright red, maroon or dark, tarry black)Have chest, neck, or shoulder painHave sudden, sharp abdominal painHave pain in, or between, your shoulder blades with nauseaHave tenderness in your belly, or your belly is rigid and hard to the touchAre pregnant or could be pregnantHad a recent injury to your abdomenHave difficulty breathing
Contact your provider if you have:
Abdominal discomfort that lasts 1 week or longerAbdominal pain that does not improve in 24 to 48 hours, or becomes more severe and frequent and occurs with nausea and vomitingBloating that persists for more than 2 daysBurning sensation when you urinate or frequent urinationDiarrhea for more than 5 daysFever, over 100°F (37.7°C) for adults or 100.4°F (38°C) for children, with painProlonged poor appetiteProlonged vaginal bleedingUnexplained weight loss
How do I release gas from my stomach?
Methods to remove gas from the stomach instantly include gentle burping, consuming peppermint and ginger, engaging in gentle exercise, using a heating pad, and massaging the belly.
What are the 3 types of abdominal pain?
Abdominal pain is a very common complaint, and the differential diagnosis is wide, ranging from benign to life-threatening conditions. Life-threatening conditions include a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, mesenteric ischemia, perforation anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, acute bowel obstruction, acute pancreatitis, peritonitis, ectopic pregnancy, ovarian torsion, and myocardial infarction,
There are three main types of abdominal pain : visceral, parietal, and referred pain. Visceral pain happens when the nerves that run through the walls of an organ get stretched. The pain isn’t usually well localized and feels like a dull ache or cramp. Hollow organs cause an intermittent colicky type of pain, whereas solid organs cause a more constant pain.
Sometimes, as a disease evolves, visceral pain can become parietal pain, which is also called somatic pain, That’s the pain that results from irritation to the parietal peritoneal wall. Parietal pain is sharp and can be localized by pointing to a specific spot.
Finally, there’s referred pain which is when the brain mistakenly identifies pain as coming from one region like the shoulder when it’s actually coming from a different region like the diaphragm, Abdominal pain can often be separated into the abdominal area that’s involved. Foregut organs – so the stomach, duodenum, pancreas, and biliary tract – cause epigastric pain,
Epigastric pain that’s associated with bloating, abdominal fullness, heartburn, or nausea is called dyspepsia, and it’s generally due to gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis, pancreatitis, or peptic ulcer disease – meaning an ulcer of the stomach or duodenum,
What is the difference between stomach pain and abdominal pain?
What is abdominal pain? – Abdominal pain is discomfort anywhere in your belly region — between your ribs and your pelvis. We often think of abdominal pain as “stomach pain” or a “stomachache,” but pain in your abdomen could be coming from other organs besides your stomach, too. Your abdomen is home to your:
Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder, Pancreas, Small intestine, Large intestine,
These are all organs in your digestive system, But pain can also be in your abdominal wall, the skin and muscles that make up the outer shell of your abdomen. And sometimes, the pain that you feel in your belly may be coming from somewhere else, like your chest, pelvis or back. Abdominal pain can take many forms and can mean many things. It may feel:
Mild or severe. Dull or sharp. Burning or achy. Crampy or colicky. Constant or intermittent. Localized (in one spot) or generalized (all over).
Ultimately, abdominal pain is a subjective symptom that only you can describe. Since your healthcare provider can’t measure it, it’s what you say it is. Your healthcare provider will always take your abdominal pain seriously.
How long does a stomach virus last?
Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection that includes signs and symptoms such as watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever. The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis — often called stomach flu — is through contact with an infected person or by consuming contaminated food or water.
- If you’re otherwise healthy, you’ll likely recover without complications.
- But for infants, older adults and people with compromised immune systems, viral gastroenteritis can be deadly.
- There’s no effective treatment for viral gastroenteritis, so prevention is key.
- Avoid food and water that may be contaminated and wash your hands thoroughly and often.
Although it’s commonly called stomach flu, gastroenteritis isn’t the same as influenza. The flu (influenza) affects only your respiratory system — your nose, throat and lungs. Gastroenteritis, on the other hand, attacks your intestines, causing signs and symptoms such as:
Watery, usually nonbloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection Nausea, vomiting or both Stomach cramps and pain Occasional muscle aches or headache Low-grade fever
Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within 1-3 days after you’re infected and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may last up to 14 days. Because the symptoms are similar, it’s easy to confuse viral diarrhea with diarrhea caused by bacteria, such as Clostridioides difficile, salmonella and Escherichia coli, or parasites, such as giardia.
Why does my stomach feel hard and painful?
A hard stomach can happen for various reasons, including constipation, gastric cancer, and some chronic digestive conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this article, we will discuss common causes of hard stomachs, symptoms, treatment options, and when to see a doctor.
Where is trapped gas pain?
What are the symptoms of gas? – Chronic symptoms caused by too much gas or by a serious disease are rare. The following are the most common symptoms of gas. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
Belching. Belching during or after meals is normal, but people who belch frequently may be swallowing too much air and releasing it before the air enters the stomach. Chronic belching may also indicate an upper GI disorder, such as peptic ulcer disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or gastritis, According to the NIDDK, rare, chronic gas syndromes associated with belching include the following:
Meganblase syndrome. Meganblase syndrome causes chronic belching. It is characterized by severe air swallowing and an enlarged bubble of gas in the stomach following heavy meals. Fullness and shortness of breath caused by this disorder may mimic a heart attack. Gas-bloat syndrome. Gas-bloat syndrome may occur after surgery to correct GERD. The surgery creates a one-way valve between the esophagus and stomach that allows food and gas to enter the stomach.
Flatulence. Passing gas through the rectum is called flatulence. Passing gas 14 to 23 times a day is considered normal. Abdominal bloating. Bloating is usually the result of an intestinal motility disorder, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Motility disorders are characterized by abnormal movements and contractions of intestinal muscles.
Splenic-flexure syndrome is a chronic disorder that may be caused by gas trapped at bends (flexures) in the colon. Crohn’s disease, colon cancer, or any disease that causes intestinal obstruction, may also cause abdominal bloating. Internal hernias or adhesions (scar tissue) from surgery may cause bloating or pain. Fatty foods can delay stomach emptying and cause bloating and discomfort, but not necessarily too much gas.
Abdominal pain and discomfort. Gas in the intestine causes pain for some people. When it collects on the left side of the colon, the pain can be confused with heart disease. When it collects on the right side of the colon, the pain may feel like the pain associated with gallstones or appendicitis.
The symptoms of gas may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis.
How many paracetamol should I take for stomach pain?
How to take paracetamol – Make sure you take paracetamol as directed on the label or leaflet, or as instructed by a health professional. How much you can take depends on your age, your weight, the type of paracetamol you’re taking and how strong it is. For example:
Adults can usually take 1 or 2 tablets (500mg) every 4-6 hours, but shouldn’t take more than 4g (8 x 500mg tablets) in the space of 24 hours. Children under 16 need to take a lower dose, depending on their age or weight – check the packet or leaflet, or ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice. For very young children, paracetamol liquid is given using a measuring spoon or an oral syringe.
Paracetamol should start to work within an hour and the effect usually lasts several hours. Don’t take more than the recommended dose if it isn’t relieving your symptoms. Adults can take ibuprofen at the same time if necessary, but this isn’t usually recommended for children.
Can I take 2 paracetamol and 2 ibuprofen together?
Taking both medicines together – You can take paracetamol and ibuprofen at the same time or spaced apart. Ibuprofen is best taken with food or on a full stomach. Follow the instructions on the label or leaflet about how to take the medicines, and to make sure you do not take too much of either. If you need further advice, speak to a pharmacist or GP, or call NHS 111.
How many ibuprofen should I take for stomach pain?
What is a safe dose of ibuprofen? – The recommended dose of ibuprofen is 200-400 mg by mouth every 4-6 hours as needed for pain or fever. The recommended maximum daily dose is 1200 mg for over-the-counter ibuprofen and 3200 mg for prescription-strength ibuprofen.
Is ibuprofen better for your stomach?
The bottom line Advil can be harder on the stomach and kidneys, while Tylenol is harder on the liver. Overall, Advil and Tylenol are safe for most people when used correctly. Be sure to read the labels of all your medications to make sure you’re not taking too much of either.
How do you get rid of a stomach ache in 5 minutes?
How do you get rid of a stomach ache in 5 minutes? – To get rid of a stomach ache in five minutes, you can try a few things. Lie down in a comfortable position and take slow, deep breaths. This can help relax your body and reduce muscle tension, which can contribute to stomach pain,
- You can also try applying a warm compress to your stomach, such as a heating pad or warm water bottle wrapped in a towel.
- This can help alleviate pain and cramping.
- Moreover, drinking a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice can help to soothe an upset stomach.
- Additionally, you can try taking an over-the-counter antacid or pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or Tums,
Consult a doctor before taking any medications. Over-the-counter medical treatment
For gas-related pain, OTC medication like Mylanta and Gas-X (which contain the ingredient simethicone ) can help get rid of gas and bloating. Gastroesophageal reflux disease ( GERD ) can cause stomach aches and burning sensations ( heartburn ), and an antacid or acid reducer like Pepcid AC or Zantac 75 can help. A mild OTC stool softener or laxative can help relieve constipation in most cases. Abdominal cramps can occur due to diarrhea. Medicines like Pepto-Bismol, which contains loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate, can help reduce diarrhea and cramps. Pain relievers, such as Paracetamol, and Ibuprofen, can help reduce abdominal pain and the painful cramps caused due to several conditions. It may be combined with anti-cramping medications.
Lifestyle and home remedies
Anti-inflammatory foods :
Eating foods that have anti-inflammatory properties can reduce abdominal pain, These foods include blueberries, squash, cherries, capsicum, tomatoes, cold -water fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, beans, green leafy vegetables, and almonds. These foods also improve overall body health. It’s advised to incorporate these foods throughout the year instead of just during the periods. Sugary food, fried and fatty foods, white bread or pasta, alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco can increase cramps.
Herbs to reduce cramps :
Chamomile tea, peppermint, fennel, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric root, and dill are some herbs that have anti-inflammatory effects and can reduce cramps. Sipping two cups of tea containing these herbs per day can help reduce abdominal pain, A small piece of ginger and/or turmeric root may be added to hot water or herbal teas, making it an effective cramp-relieving drink.
Heat therapy :
Applying a heating pad, hot water bottle, hot towel, or heat wrap over the abdomen and back helps relax the muscles and relieve abdominal cramps and pain. The temperature should ideally be 104° Fahrenheit. Taking a hot bath with bubbles and essential oils or hot showers can also help.
Eating practices :
Chewing food slowly, not talking while eating, ensuring the food is well cooked, not lying down immediately after eating and reducing excess coffee and tea intake.
Exercise :
Gentle exercises like yoga, stretching, and tai chi can help reduce stress and relax the abdominal muscles. Physical activity can help relieve gas, bloating, and constipation,
How fast can a stomach ache go away?
Basically, stomach aches can occur whenever there is irritation of the stomach lining, says Henry Herrera, MD, a gastroenterologist at DHR Health Gastroenterology in Texas. Thankfully, stomach aches don’t usually last that long, maybe one to two hours tops. And they typically go away on their own.
How long does it take for stomach pain to ease?
Most stomach aches are not anything serious and will go away after a few days.
What does gas pain feel like?
Pain, cramps or a knotted feeling in your abdomen. A feeling of fullness or pressure in your abdomen (bloating) An observable increase in the size of your abdomen (distention)