How to Relieve Stomach Pain at Home

One of the most familiar pains that we all experience throughout life is a stomachache. It can range from mild and negligible to severe discomfort. Understanding its causes and knowing how to manage them can help alleviate pain and prevent further issues.

But what causes stomachaches? Do over-the-counter medications work and when should I start to worry about my stomach pain? In this guide, we explore these questions and more, to help put your mind and stomach at ease.

What is a stomachache?

A stomachache encompasses any pain or discomfort that occurs in the abdominal area - anywhere between your ribs and your pelvis. It can be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, bloating, vomiting, or diarrhoea, or it may present on its own. Most of the time, stomachaches are benign and self-resolve without any medical intervention. However, there are instances when persistent or severe pain can indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical attention.

What are the common causes of stomachaches?

To understand the seriousness or severity of a stomachache, we must first look at the underlying cause. Abdominal pain is often referred to as “stomach pain” or a “stomachache,” but pain in your abdomen could be coming from organs other than your stomach, too. Some common causes of stomachaches include:

• Indigestion: The medical word for indigestion is dyspepsia. Dyspepsia can be caused by many conditions. However, in many people the cause is unknown. This is called functional dyspepsia. It occurs due to overeating, consuming excessively spicy, acidic, fatty, or oily foods, or eating too quickly.
• Food poisoning: Food poisoning occurs when you eat contaminated food. It typically results in nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever.
• Gastroenteritis: Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Viruses are the most common cause of gastroenteritis. It can also be caused by food or water contaminated by bacteria or parasites. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal pain.
• Menstrual cramps: Menstrual cramps can cause mild to severe stomach pains. While menstrual cramps are common, severe pain or pain that significantly interferes with daily life might indicate something more serious.
• Irritable bowel syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS causes various symptoms, including abdominal pain, cramping in the stomach area, bloating, gas, urgency or incomplete bowel movements, changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation), and mucus in stool in some people with IBS.

Acute pain that is more severe in nature may be due to problems with one or more organs in the abdomen. These include:

• Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix.
• Gallstone diseases: Most people with gallstones do not have symptoms and do not require treatment. However, some people may have complications from gallstones such as gallstone pain, inflammation of the gallbladder (acute cholecystitis), and infection of the bile ducts (acute cholangitis).
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas.
• Diverticulitis: A diverticulum is a pocket that develops in the wall of the large bowel. The pocket may become acutely inflamed, which is called diverticulitis.

Tips on how to relieve stomach pain at home

Dealing with stomach pain can be uncomfortable. Whether it's from spicy local delicacies, the heat, or everyday stressors, finding relief at home is essential, especially when you’re not in the mood to venture out of the house! Here are some tips you can try to help relieve your stomach pain:

• Stay hydrated: Singapore is exceedingly warm and sometimes our stomach pain may be accompanied with vomiting or diarrhoea. Staying hydrated is vital and helps aid in digestion.
• Drink tea: Teas such as peppermint tea, ginger tea, and chamomile tea are known for their calming effects. They can help sooth inflammation, reduce bloating, and ease nausea.
• Medication: Over-the-counter medications such as antacids, anti-diarrhoea, anti-nausea medications or antiemetics, and pain relievers can often provide relief for stomachaches. However, it's important to remember that they treat symptoms rather than the underlying cause.
• Eat small but frequent meals: Large meals can cause indigestion, leading to stomach pains. Small but frequent meals can not only aid in digestion but may also help in stabilising blood sugar levels throughout the day, preventing spikes and crashes that can contribute to discomfort and unease.
• Avoid trigger foods: Some foods such as spicy food, milk, or foods that contain gluten may cause some people to react negatively and experience symptoms such as bloating, stomach pain, nausea, and heartburn.

Is stomachache a sign of cancer?

While stomachaches are usually benign, persistent or severe abdominal pain can sometimes indicate a more serious condition, including cancer.

• Stomach cancer, for example, may present symptoms such as chronic pain in the stomach or abdomen, discomfort similar to indigestion, or feeling bloated after eating.
• As the cancer progresses, more serious symptoms may include loss of appetite and weight, feeling tired or short of breath (from a condition called "anaemia”), , blood in the stools, and build-up of fluid in the abdomen.

When should I seek help for a stomachache?

While many stomachaches are harmless and resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant medical attention:

• Severe or worsening pain
• Pain lasting more than a few days
• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in stool or vomit
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

If you experience ongoing or severe stomach pain, go to the nearest Urgent Care Centre immediately or call for an ambulance.