How to Relieve Stomach Pain

There are several reasons for stomach pain, but it might seem a bit over-the-top to see a doctor just because you’re feeling discomfort in your belly. Here are a few ways to prevent nausea caused by stomach aches.

Try eating something light. A simple, light snack can help soothe your stomach. You might want to try yogurt, plain crackers, or foods rich in fiber. Avoid spicy foods, dairy products (except yogurt because it contains probiotics), or strongly flavored foods.

• Don’t force yourself to eat if you’re not feeling hungry. Pushing yourself to eat may make things worse.

Drink something. Stomach pain can sometimes be caused by dehydration. If you like, you can try herbal tea instead of plain water. Additionally, consider drinking Gatorade to replenish minerals and soothe your stomach.

• If you're vomiting or experiencing diarrhea, staying hydrated is crucial. Vomiting and diarrhea can cause rapid dehydration, and you need to rehydrate as soon as possible.
• If you don’t like plain water or herbal tea, you might want to try ginger tea or flat soda. Just remember to go for soda without carbonation.

Follow the BRAT diet. BRAT stands for Banana, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. You can also mix in other bland foods with the BRAT diet, such as plain crackers, boiled potatoes, or clear soups. Avoid dairy products or sugary, fatty foods at first as they can trigger nausea.

• However, the BRAT diet may not be ideal for young children. Due to its low fiber, protein, and fat content, it might lead to nutritional deficiencies that are needed for the child’s digestive recovery. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends giving children a balanced, age-appropriate diet within 24 hours of sickness, which could include various fruits, vegetables, meat, yogurt, and complex carbohydrates.

Go to the bathroom. You can bring a book to distract yourself from the pain. Unfortunately, all you can do is wait for the pain to ease.

Vomiting. Sometimes, the pain won’t subside until you vomit. Therefore, prepare yourself when the cramping starts. However, you should only vomit if the pain hasn’t stopped after 2-3 hours.

• Although it’s uncomfortable, you should keep a bucket or container nearby. This way, you can vomit into the bucket instead of rushing to the bathroom.
• Seek medical attention if the pain persists for 5-6 hours after vomiting several times and eating something light. Check your temperature and monitor for other symptoms.

Rest. Nausea from movement is a separate issue. On the other hand, when you're unwell, it’s best to limit movement as it won't be helpful. Instead, you should lie down to get comfortable. If you can't lie down, try to move as little as possible.

• This step also applies to infants and young children. Regardless of age, everyone should limit movement when unwell.

See a doctor. Persistent stomach pain could be a sign of something more serious. Visit a doctor immediately if your nausea continues along with other symptoms such as pain, difficulty moving, or a rash.

• Most stomach pains resolve after a few hours. However, if the pain is persistent, you should pay attention to other symptoms. You should seek medical attention if the stomach pain is accompanied by other symptoms.