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Quick Remedies for a Stomach Ache
If you're dealing with a stomach ache during class, it may seem like the day will stretch on forever. Before you rush to the nurse’s office or leave for home, try a few methods that can help make your discomfort more manageable. Don’t hesitate to let a friend or teacher know how you're feeling, and find a moment to rest. Luckily, your stomach ache should subside within a few hours. Simply take a few slow, deep breaths.
Effective Remedies for Stomach Pain
If you want fast relief from a stomach ache, try using the bathroom if needed and drink plenty of clear fluids. If nausea is part of the issue, sucking on peppermint or ginger candy might help. Take a moment to lie down in the nurse's office to rest for a few minutes.
Steps to Follow for Relief
Trying Quick Solutions
Take a restroom break. Raise your hand and ask your teacher for permission to go to the bathroom. If you'd rather not let everyone know you're feeling unwell, you can quietly approach the teacher’s desk to ask. Once there, take a moment to rest and see if that helps settle your stomach.
- If constipation or diarrhea is the cause of your stomach pain, using the toilet may help. Sometimes, relieving yourself can ease the discomfort in your stomach.
Drink clear liquids to soothe your stomach. Carbonated beverages like soda or sparkling water could worsen your stomach ache. Instead, sip water or clear drinks like sports drinks or coconut water.
- If drinking in class is not allowed, you may need to ask for permission or head to the nurse’s office to have a sip of water.
- Since you probably won’t feel like eating, it's best to avoid solid foods until your stomach is back to normal.
- Be sure the liquids you sip are not ice-cold, as that could make your stomach ache worse.
Fun Fact: If you're also vomiting, staying hydrated is crucial to prevent dehydration.
Suck on peppermint or ginger candy to ease nausea. If your stomach ache is related to something you ate, try sucking on peppermint or ginger candy. Both can help relax your stomach muscles and soothe discomfort.
- If you prefer, you can chew on a piece of ginger candy instead of sucking on it.
- Check with your teacher before using peppermint or ginger candies if food is not allowed in class.
Ask if you can lie down in the nurse’s office for a few minutes. Your stomach ache should ease on its own in a few hours, but if using the bathroom, drinking water, or sucking on peppermint hasn’t helped, resting for a bit might make you more comfortable.
- If you’re unsure how to explain to your teacher that you're not feeling well, you can say something like, "I’m really not feeling well. Could I rest in the nurse’s office for a few minutes?"
Practice deep breathing to help relax your body and ease the discomfort. Sometimes, stress or anxiety can cause stomach pain. By taking slow, deep breaths, you might be able to calm your stomach. Inhale deeply through your nose while counting to 4, hold for 4 seconds, and then exhale to the count of 4. Repeat this for 5 to 10 breaths to help your body relax.
- As you breathe in, try to focus on filling your belly with air. This will help you take deeper breaths.
Find relief from stomach pain while you're at school."I woke up with a terrible stomachache, but my mom insisted I still had to go to school. I used some of the tips from this guide, like breathing exercises and resting in the bathroom, to ease the pain. The advice about handling anxiety was also helpful, since stress makes my stomach ache worse. Now I have a strategy for feeling better next time my stomach acts up."- Sandra S.
Calm stomach aches with water and mints."My stomach started hurting so badly in class I thought I might throw up. I followed the advice in the article and tried sipping water and sucking on a mint. After a short while, I felt much less nauseous. I’m really glad I read this — now I know exactly what to do when my stomach starts acting up at school."- Reagan S.
Say goodbye to frequent stomach pain."I had severe stomachaches every day at school last week. Asking the nurse for help and using the prevention tips from this guide finally made them stop. Now, I know how to get rid of the pain for good instead of suffering through it for days. This guide really saved me!"- Jessica P.
Find quick relief from anxiety."My stomach pains from anxiety kept making me miss class. As soon as I tried the breathing exercises suggested in this article, I felt the tension and pain melt away. Now, I can calm myself down and get rid of the discomfort quickly. These tips are absolute lifesavers for anxious students like me!"- Ellie S.
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Don't take medicine unless you know the cause of your stomach pain. Some pain relievers, like ibuprofen, might make your stomach feel worse, especially if you've been unable to eat. Instead, try to relax and make yourself comfortable. Your stomach ache should subside in a few hours.
- If you think you have a fever, ask an adult to check your temperature. They may recommend a painkiller like acetaminophen if your fever is above 102 °F (39 °C).
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Let a friend know you're not feeling well. Instead of toughing it out or trying to deal with the discomfort on your own, tell a friend that you're experiencing a stomach ache. They might be able to accompany you to the bathroom or the nurse's office, and if you need to leave the class, your friend could take notes on your behalf.
- Sometimes, just sharing that you're not feeling well with someone else can make it easier to manage the pain.
Inform your teacher that you're having stomach issues. You can raise your hand or approach your teacher to explain how you're feeling. It's important to communicate that you're unwell, so the teacher understands you're not just tired or distracted. They might suggest resting your head on your desk or visiting the nurse.
- Be sure to mention how long you've been feeling this way or whether the pain is worsening. For example, you could say, "I've been feeling sick since the last class, and I think I need to rest."
Request to visit the nurse's office if you need to lie down. If you're still feeling unwell after going to the bathroom, or if your stomach pain worsens, it may be time to visit the school nurse. They will likely check your temperature, ask how long you've been feeling sick, and might examine your abdomen if you're in significant discomfort.
- If you're experiencing sharp or cramp-like pain in your lower abdomen that doesn't subside, the nurse may be concerned that you have appendicitis.
Tip: You can often rest in the nurse's office until you're feeling better, or if the pain is too intense, they may decide to send you home.
Call a parent or guardian if the pain worsens or doesn't improve after 2 hours. If the pain persists or intensifies, you can ask to call your parent or guardian, or the nurse may suggest doing so. You will likely remain in the nurse's office until someone can pick you up.
- Your parent or guardian should contact a doctor if the pain is severe or continues after you get home, even if it’s mild and recurring.
- If you asked a friend for assistance, see if they can gather any missed assignments for you.
Preventing Recurrent Stomachaches
Wash your hands often to avoid getting sick. Since many germs can lead to stomach aches, it's essential to wash your hands with soap and water regularly throughout the day, especially before eating.
- Don't forget to wash your hands after using the restroom as well!
If you're feeling anxious about school, talk to someone. If the pressures of school or a sense of being out of control are making you anxious, this might be contributing to your stomach aches. Share your concerns with someone you trust, such as a friend, teacher, or counselor.
- If anxiety about school is the cause, you might experience stomach pain throughout the week but find relief over the weekend.
Practice relaxation techniques to ease both anxiety and stomach pain. Knowing how to relax can help you manage or even prevent stomach aches. Try slow, deep breathing while consciously relaxing each muscle in your body. You could also focus on positive thoughts that lift your spirits while the discomfort subsides.
- If you're at home, consider listening to soothing music, stretching, or going for a jog to reduce anxiety.
Consider aromatherapy to help prevent and alleviate stomach aches. Aromatherapy can have a calming effect, potentially preventing future stomach aches. Try using a scent diffuser with a calming essential oil. Here are some oils known for their calming properties:
- Lavender
- Fennel
- Rose
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon
Maintain a healthy diet that includes whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. A diet heavy in processed foods, such as fried or fast food, can cause constipation, which may lead to stomach pain. To keep your digestive system functioning well, stay hydrated and enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- If you're uncertain about whether food is spoiled, check the expiration date. If you're still unsure, it's safer not to eat it.
Did You Know? Some stomach aches are caused by food allergies. For example, if you're lactose intolerant, dairy products might trigger stomach pain.
Avoid smoking, drinking, and consuming caffeinated drinks. Smoking, drinking alcohol, and excessive caffeine intake can contribute to stomach discomfort. If you're experiencing frequent stomach aches and you smoke, drink alcohol, or consume caffeinated beverages, these habits might be a factor.
- Quit smoking and drinking immediately. Seek help from a trusted adult if you're struggling to stop.
- Try to completely eliminate caffeine, opting for caffeine-free sodas, decaf coffee, or herbal teas instead.
Important Warnings
- If there's a possibility that you could be pregnant, inform a friend, parent, nurse, or doctor. Recurrent stomach pain could be an early symptom of pregnancy-related nausea.
