How to Treat Stomach Pain in Adults (2024)

FAQs

What medicine is good for stomach pain in adults? ›

For cramping from diarrhea, medicines that have loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Kaopectate or Pepto-Bismol) might make you feel better. For other types of pain, acetaminophen (Aspirin Free Anacin, Liquiprin, Panadol, Tylenol) might be helpful.

Tums and Rolaids for upset stomach

Both neutralize stomach acid and offer fast and short-term relief. Both have calcium carbonate as the active ingredient. But Rolaids also has an extra ingredient called magnesium hydroxide.

Acetaminophen is a non-aspirin pain reliever that is generally safe and gentle on the stomach, when used as directed. Acetaminophen typically doesn't cause stomach bleeding. In fact, it's often recommended for people that have a sensitive stomach or certain stomach conditions.

However, some remedies that may help settle an upset stomach include drinking water or clear liquids, eating small and frequent meals, avoiding greasy or spicy foods, getting plenty of rest, and avoiding tobacco and caffeine. Over-the-counter medications such as antacids or antidiarrheal drugs may also provide relief.

The bottom line

Healthy gut drinks have been used for centuries in many cultures and are now at the forefront of many research studies. Fermented drinks like kombucha and kefir may promote gut health. Green tea and ginger tea might also help ease gut symptoms.

Foods and drinks like bananas, white rice, toast, crackers, and broth are gentle on your digestive system and can help you recover from an upset stomach. It's best to avoid foods and drinks that are difficult to digest and may worsen GI symptoms.

What heals a stomach ache? ›

Try putting a heating pad or hot towel on your abdomen. The heat can help relax the muscles and relieve cramping. Taking a hot shower or bath with Epsom salts may also help. If the stomach pain is persistent, try sticking to the basics with the “BRAT” diet – that is, bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.

Chamomile tea

A nice cup of chamomile tea can help ease the pain of an upset stomach by acting as an anti-inflammatory. These anti-inflammatory properties help your stomach muscles relax, which can reduce the pain of cramping and spasms.

There's no medicine for stomach flu. Antibiotics don't work on viruses — they're for bacterial infections. The best thing you can do to help your immune system do its work is to stay home and rest, stay hydrated and eat a little if you can. Give your body the energy it needs to fight the infection.

Conclusion. Sleep professionals agree that sleeping on your back and left side is best for digestion and pain management. While knowing what side to lay on when your stomach hurts can help you avoid further discomfort, it is ultimately your body that will make the decision of what feels right.

What treatment is available for lower abdominal pain? You can treat milder pain at home with over-the-counter (OTC) analgesics, such as NSAIDs and acetaminophen. Or you may need prescription pain relievers, such as steroids or opioids, depending on your condition.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

PPIs work by reducing the amount of acid your stomach produces, preventing further damage to the ulcer as it heals naturally. They're usually prescribed for 4 to 8 weeks. Omeprazole, pantoprazole and lansoprazole are the PPIs most commonly used to treat stomach ulcers.