Getting rid of stomach aches in adults often present challenges as one needs to identify its cause to provide the right treatment.
Indulging too much in spicy foods and alcoholic drinks or eating plenty of desserts can contribute to abdominal discomfort.
Stomach aches are the worst as they mostly occur unpredictably. One minute the person is totally fine; the next, they are curled up in one corner, unable to move.
Hence, knowing ways to get rid of stubborn stomach aches is essential.
What Is A Stomach Ache?
Pain is the body’s way of signalling that something is wrong. Stomach pain is a warning that a complication is happening inside the body.
Some reason for stomach pain is obvious, such as getting hit on the gut or eating spoiled food. Other times, it may be hard to figure out the cause. With many organs in the abdomen, different health problems can present similar symptoms.
Here are common causes of stomach aches.
Infections
Any bacteria or viruses that get into the digestive system can cause the body to react by trying to eliminate external risks. It is mostly done through vomiting or experiencing diarrhoea.
Bacterial infections are most often the cause of food poisoning.
Constipation
Constipation is one of the top causes of stomach pain. Many people can suffer if their diet does not incorporate enough fluids and fibre.
Irritation and Inflammation
Irritation or swelling in one of the body’s internal organs can bring on abdominal pain. It can present in many ways, such as appendicitis, ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, and inflammatory bowel disease.
All these symptoms are the body’s way of telling to seek medical help.
Food Reactions
Food reaction can be more than basic indigestion. Some may indicate food intolerance or triggers that can cause an uncomfortable reaction in the abdomen.
Reproductive Problems
Infections within the reproductive systems, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and STDs, can cause stomach pain in women.
Signs and Symptoms
Stomach pain may be in the form of an aching, stabbing, burning, twisting, or cramping sensation in the abdominal area.
It can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as bloating, constipation, farting, belching (burping), fever, heartburn, dehydration, or loss of appetite.
The pain may be mild or intense. It can improve by changes in posture and receiving proper first aid treatment.
First Aid Treatment For Stomach Pains
The treatment for stomach pain depends on its cause but may include:
Taking Medications
The doctor may prescribe some medications to address underlying health conditions that can trigger stomach aches, such as:
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- infection
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Drink Plenty Of Fluids
Drinking water and other liquid beverages can help correct fluid loss and rest the bowel. Take note that staying hydrated help avoid constipation and bellyaches.
Practice Fasting
There are instances where the doctor will ask the person not to eat or drink anything until the cause of stomach pain is known.
Alternative And Complementary Therapies
In addition to the measures above, alternative therapies can help reduce or cope with stomach pain.
These measures include:
- Hypnosis
- Meditation
- Relaxation training
When To Seek Help?
There are instances where simple indigestion can turn out into something more serious.
Seek a doctor’s advice if the stomach pain becomes intense or if frequent vomiting is involved. Professional help is needed if the condition worsens over time, the pain does not go away, or wakes you up from sleep.
Other warning signs that may require medical attention include:
- Bloody stool
- Nausea and vomiting that does not resolve
- Yellowish skin
- Abdomen very tender to touch
- Swollen abdomen
Takeaway
Most stomach aches do not have a serious cause. While they can occur for many different reasons, immediate first aid is necessary to prevent complications.
Learn first aid and figure out what is behind your stomach pains, and know how to handle these conditions better.
