How to Treat Stomach Spasms

Watch for signs of heartburn and/or indigestion. Although distinct, indigestion can lead to heartburn. Indigestion is a mild discomfort in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by a feeling of fullness. On the other hand, heartburn is a burning, painful sensation just below or behind the breastbone, caused by the reflux of stomach acid and food into the esophagus (the muscular tube leading to the stomach).

• Other signs of heartburn or indigestion include bloating, discomfort after eating, and/or a burning sensation below the breastbone, typically after meals.

Lifestyle changes. Adjusting your lifestyle can help prevent and treat heartburn and indigestion. Adopting healthier habits such as:

• Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake
• Avoiding spicy, greasy, and fatty foods
• Eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of large ones
• Eating slowly and avoiding meals before bedtime
• Elevating your head while sleeping if you experience nighttime heartburn
• Reducing stress levels
• Exercising regularly
• Quitting smoking
• Losing weight if overweight
• Avoiding aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If medication is necessary, take it with food.

Take antacids. Over-the-counter antacids or acid blockers can help relieve heartburn and indigestion. Various types of antacids are available, including:

• Antacids like TUMS, which provide short-term relief by neutralizing stomach acid.
• H2 blockers such as Zantac or Pepcid, which reduce stomach acid production and last for several hours.
• Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) like Prilosec and Omeprazole, which also block acid production and help alleviate symptoms and frequency of heartburn. PPIs can be used long-term.
• Some antacids may cause side effects like constipation or diarrhea. Consult a doctor or pharmacist to choose the best option.

Try herbal/natural remedies. If preferred, herbal alternatives can be used to manage heartburn or indigestion. Some herbal options include:

• Chamomile: Evidence suggests chamomile, combined with other herbs, may help with stomach discomfort. Avoid chamomile if taking blood thinners to prevent interactions.
• Peppermint oil: Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules may help with irritable bowel syndrome. Studies indicate peppermint oil combined with caraway oil can ease indigestion.
• Deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL): Preliminary studies show licorice root may aid in indigestion and heartburn. However, licorice root may increase blood pressure.

Identify bloating. Bloating often causes abdominal pain and a feeling of fullness. Symptoms include frequent burping, belching, and abdominal distension. Bloating may also lead to abdominal cramps and a tight, swollen stomach.

Lifestyle adjustments. Making changes to your lifestyle can help treat and prevent bloating. Consider adopting healthier habits such as:

• Drinking plenty of water and limiting carbonated beverages
• Avoiding gas-producing vegetables like beans, broccoli, and cabbage
• Steering clear of high-fat foods
• Eating slowly and avoiding swallowing air

Identify food intolerances. You should eliminate certain foods to determine if an intolerance is the cause. For instance, milk and dairy products can cause cramps and abdominal pain in those with lactose intolerance.

Use over-the-counter medications. OTC medications containing simethicone can help you burp and release gas. Digestive enzymes may also be beneficial if you have lactose intolerance. Digestive aids like Beano can assist in breaking down beans and vegetables.

Determine if constipation is another symptom. Constipation can also cause abdominal pain. Signs of constipation include fewer than three bowel movements per week, difficulty passing stool, and hard, dry stools.

Lifestyle changes. Adjusting your lifestyle can help treat and prevent constipation. Consider adopting healthier habits such as:

• Increasing fiber intake. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are excellent sources of fiber.
• Drinking plenty of water (at least 8-13 glasses daily).
• Exercising regularly.

Use effective medications. There are various over-the-counter laxatives and fiber supplements available. However, some laxatives may cause side effects. Choose the appropriate medication to treat constipation, and avoid long-term use of laxatives.

• Lubricants, such as mineral oil, help ease stool passage.
• Stool softeners like Docusate are ideal for patients taking medications that cause constipation.
• Bulk-forming laxatives, including psyllium husk, help solidify stools.
• Stimulant laxatives, such as Bisacodyl, trigger intestinal contractions to push stool out. Prolonged use may damage the intestinal lining.
• Osmotic laxatives, like saline or polyethylene glycol, draw water into the digestive tract, easing stool movement. These may cause electrolyte imbalances.
• Fiber supplements, such as Metamucil, absorb water and promote regular bowel movements.

Try herbal remedies. Herbal alternatives, such as flaxseed, can help relieve constipation. Flaxseed contains soluble fiber, which aids in reducing constipation.

Identify the connection between abdominal cramps and your menstrual cycle. Menstrual cramps in the lower abdomen often occur in women before or during their period. Sometimes, severe cramps may indicate uterine fibroids.

Lifestyle changes. Modifying your lifestyle by exercising, managing stress, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol can help alleviate menstrual cramps. Additionally, research suggests that supplements like vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B6, and magnesium may also reduce menstrual pain.

Take medication. Pain relievers such as Ibuprofen, taken at the recommended dose just before the start of your period, can help ease menstrual cramps. Follow your doctor's instructions to continue the medication for 2-3 days or until symptoms subside. For severe pain, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills to reduce the intensity of cramps.

Try natural remedies. Some evidence suggests that acupuncture (inserting thin needles into strategic points on the skin) may help relieve menstrual pain. Additionally, certain herbs like caraway may also alleviate abdominal discomfort during menstruation.

Watch for flu-like symptoms. Gastroenteritis, or the “stomach virus,” can cause intense abdominal pain accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

Stay hydrated. Dehydration is a common issue for those with gastroenteritis. Drink plenty of water and diluted sports drinks (undiluted ones may contain too much sugar). Take small sips throughout the day.

• Signs of dehydration include dark urine, dizziness, muscle cramps, fatigue, and dry mouth. Seek medical attention if you cannot maintain adequate hydration.

Rest your stomach. Gastroenteritis can cause abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting. In such cases, let your stomach rest and gradually reintroduce bland, easily digestible foods. Options like crackers, toast, bananas, and rice are gentle on the stomach. Avoid spicy, greasy, dairy, caffeine, and alcohol for a few days.

Get plenty of rest. Rest is crucial for a speedy recovery. It strengthens the immune system, helping to shorten the duration of symptoms.

Wash your hands frequently. If someone in your household or workplace has the “stomach flu,” regular handwashing can help prevent the spread of the virus.

Practice breathing techniques. Breathing exercises can help you relax and distract from the pain caused by cramps. Try these techniques while engaging in an activity that holds your attention, like watching TV.

• Focus on your breathing rhythm. Use a quick, shallow breathing pattern (rapid inhale, rapid exhale).

Avoid certain beverages. Alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks can contribute to abdominal pain. Stick to plain water or clear fluids.

Exercise to ease cramps. Walking around your house or garden can be helpful, especially if sitting or lying down feels uncomfortable.

• Avoid abdominal exercises to prevent discomfort, particularly if the cramps are due to overexertion. Know your limits.

Try Yoga. Some evidence suggests Yoga can alleviate stomach issues like irritable bowel syndrome. If you're experienced, try poses that stretch the abdominal area, such as Fish Pose or Reclining Hero. Downward Facing Dog is also beneficial.

• If experiencing muscle cramps, avoid abdominal exercises and opt for stretches like Cobra Pose. Any pose that involves looking upward or forward can gently engage the abdominal area.

Apply heat. Placing a warm compress, heated wheat bag, or hot water bottle on your abdomen can temporarily relieve cramps. However, there is debate about using heat when nausea is present. Experiment to see how your body responds and find what works best for you.

Release gas. Make an effort to allow gas to pass. If you're at work or in a place where passing gas is inappropriate, excuse yourself to the restroom. Holding it in can cause bloating and make cramps more severe and painful.

Soak in a warm bath. A warm bath can also help relieve cramps in some cases. Ensure the water temperature is moderate, avoiding excessively hot water.

Know when to seek immediate care. Recognize when to visit a doctor or seek help. Abdominal pain can indicate various issues, some of which are serious, such as peptic ulcers, pancreatitis, appendicitis, autoimmune diseases, gallbladder problems, or cancer. Generally, seek immediate help if:

• The pain is sudden and severe, or radiates to the chest, neck, or shoulders.
• You vomit blood or notice blood in your stool.
• Your abdomen feels hard and is painful to touch.
• You cannot pass stool (no bowel movement) and are vomiting.

Determine if heartburn/indigestion requires medical attention. While heartburn/indigestion is often minor and treatable with over-the-counter medications, consult a doctor if:

• Symptoms persist for several days without improvement despite medication.
• You experience unintentional weight loss.
• Sudden, severe pain occurs. Seek immediate care if the pain is cramp-like.
• You have difficulty swallowing.
• Your skin or eyes appear pale or yellow.
• You vomit blood or notice black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• Your stool resembles coffee grounds.

Determine if gastroenteritis requires medical attention. Seek medical care if the “stomach flu” is accompanied by:

• Vomiting lasting more than two days.
• Diarrhea persisting for several days or containing blood.
• A fever above 38°C that doesn’t subside.
• Mild headaches, fainting, or feeling faint while standing.

Avoid certain medications before seeing a doctor. If you decide to visit a doctor, avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen, other anti-inflammatory drugs, or narcotic pain relievers unless prescribed or approved by a doctor. These medications can worsen the pain.

• However, if the cramps are due to menstrual pain, anti-inflammatory drugs may be taken.
• Acetaminophen can be used if the doctor confirms the pain is unrelated to liver issues.