Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

Pain from stomach cramps is usually very severe, but it can be alleviated by treating the underlying cause. This article will give you advice on how to treat many different types of stomach contractions.

Steps

Method 1 of 7: Heartburn / indigestion treatment

1. 

   Notice the sign heartburn and / or undigested. Although different, indigestion can lead to heartburn. Indigestion is a slight discomfort in the upper part of the abdomen, often accompanied by a feeling of fullness. Heartburn, on the other hand, is a burning, painful sensation just below or behind the breastbone. It is caused by "reflux" on stomach acids and food into the esophagus (the muscle tube leading to the stomach).
   • Other signs of heartburn or indigestion include a feeling of bloating, discomfort after eating and / or a burning sensation under the breastbone, usually after eating.

2. 

   
   
   Lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes can help prevent and treat heartburn and indigestion. You should change and practice good habits like:
   • Reduce your consumption of alcohol and caffeine
   • Eat less spicy, greasy, and spicy foods
   • Eat small, regular meals instead of large meals
   • Eat slowly and don't eat before bedtime
   • Raise your head when you sleep if you have heartburn in the evening
   • Reduce stress levels
   • Exercise regularly
   • Quit smoking
   • Lose weight if you are overweight
   • Avoid aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If you must take medicine, you should take it with food.

3. 

   
   
   Take an antacid. Over-the-counter antacids or antacids can help reduce heartburn and indigestion. There are different types of antacids on the market, including:
   • Antacids, such as TUMS, can help reduce heartburn and indigestion in the short term. Medication helps to neutralize stomach acids.
   • H2 blockers, such as Zantac or Pepcid, stop the production of stomach acids and last for several hours.
   • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), including Prilosec and Omeprazole, also block the production of stomach acid and help reduce symptoms and reduce the frequency of heartburn. PPIs can be used for a long time.
   • Some antacids can have side effects such as constipation or diarrhea. So talk to your doctor or pharmacist to choose the best medicine.

4. 

   
   
   Try herbal / natural ingredients. If you want, you can use herbal remedies to replace heartburn or indigestion medications. Some of the herbal ingredients include:
   • Chamomile: There is some evidence that chamomile combined with other herbs can be good for stomach upset. Be careful not to use chamomile while taking anticoagulants to avoid drug interactions.
   • Peppermint essential oil: Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules can be used for irritable bowel syndrome. Some studies show that peppermint oil along with fennel oil can help relieve indigestion.
   • Reduced glycyrrhizin (DGL) licorice: In preliminary studies, licorice root has been shown to help with indigestion and heartburn. However, licorice root can increase blood pressure.
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Method 2 of 7: Treatment of flatulence

1. 

   Identify flatulence. Usually, flatulence can cause abdominal pain and bloating. Signs of flatulence include frequent belching, belching, and bloating.Flatulence can also cause cramping as well as a feeling of tightness in the abdomen.

2. 

   Lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes can help treat and prevent gas. You should change and practice good habits like:
   • Drink plenty of filtered water and limit carbonated water
   • Avoid gas-causing vegetables such as beans, broccoli, and cabbage
   • Avoid fatty foods
   • Eat slowly and avoid swallowing air

3. 

   Determine your food intolerance. Cut back on certain foods to see if these intolerances are the cause. For example, dairy and dairy products can cause cramps and colic in people with lactose intolerance.

4. 

   Take over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter medications that contain simethicone can help you burp and push your breath out. Digestive yeast can also be helpful if you have lactose intolerance. Digestive drugs like Beano can help digest beans and vegetables. advertisement

Method 3 of 7: Treatment of constipation

1. 

   Look to see if constipation is another symptom. Constipation can also cause stomach upset. Signs of constipation include having bowel movements less than 3 times per week, difficulty with bowel movements, hard, dry stools.

2. 

   Lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes can help treat and prevent constipation. You should change and practice good habits like:
   • Increase fiber in your diet. Vegetables and whole grains are rich in fiber.
   • Drink plenty of fluids (at least 8-13 cups of water per day).
   • Exercise regularly.

3. 

   Take effective medicine. There are many types of over-the-counter laxatives and fiber supplements. However, some laxatives can have side effects. You should choose the right medicine to treat constipation. Be careful not to use laxatives for a long time.
   • Lubricating products, such as mineral oils, make it easier for the stool to move out.
   • Stool softeners, such as Docusate, help soften stools. The drug is suitable for patients taking medicines that cause constipation.
   • Laxatives to help thicken stool, including psyllium husk, help thicken the stool.
   • Stimulating laxatives, such as Bisacodyl, constrict the intestinal wall, helping to push stools out. However, long-term use of stimulant laxatives can damage the intestinal wall.
   • Osmotic laxatives, such as saline (salt) laxatives or polyethylene glycol, cause water to be sucked into the digestive tract, making it easier for stools to move. These drugs can cause an electrolyte imbalance.
   • Fiber supplements, such as Metamucil, help absorb water and maintain regular bowel movements.

4. 

   Try herbal ingredients. Herbal alternative medicinal ingredients can help with constipation, with flaxseed being the most popular. Flaxseeds contain soluble fiber that can help relieve constipation. advertisement

Method 4 of 7: Treatment of dysmenorrhea

1. 

   Find a relationship between contractions and menstrual cycles. Menstrual pain in the lower abdomen most often occurs in women just before and / or during menstruation. Occasionally, menstrual cramps can be severe and are a sign of uterine fibroids.

2. 

   Lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes such as exercise, stress management, and avoiding smoking and alcohol can help relieve menstrual cramps. Additionally, research shows that supplements with vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B6 and magnesium can also help reduce menstrual cramps.

3. 

   Take medicines. Taking a regular pain reliever like Ibuproben right before the first day of your period can help relieve menstrual cramps. You can take this medication as directed by your doctor 2-3 days later or until symptoms disappear. If the pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe birth control pills to reduce the severity of the pain.

4. 

   Try natural remedies. Some evidence suggests that acupuncture (inserting thin needles into strategic points in the skin) can help relieve menstrual pain. In addition, some herbs like cumin may also help relieve menstrual cramps. advertisement

Method 5 of 7: Treatment of viral stomach flu

1. 

   Watch for other flu-like symptoms. Gastroenteritis, or "stomach virus", can cause severe abdominal pain, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

2. 

   Provide enough water. Dehydration is a common problem in people with gastroenteritis. Therefore, you need to drink plenty of water and dilute sports drinks (undiluted drinks can contain a lot of sugar). Drink many small sips throughout the day.
   • Signs of dehydration include dark urine, dizziness, muscle contractions, fatigue, and dry mouth. Get medical attention immediately if necessary water intake is not maintained.

3. 

   Let your stomach rest. When you have gastroenteritis, in addition to stomach cramps, you may experience nausea and vomiting. In that case, you need to rest your stomach and gradually start eating bland, easily digested foods. Foods such as biscuits, breads, bananas, and rice are often easily digested. Avoid spicy, greasy foods, dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol for a few days.

4. 

   Rested. Rest is a very important step to a quick recovery. Resting strengthens the immune system, thereby shortening the duration of symptoms.

5. 

   Wash your hands often. If someone at home or at work has a “viral stomach flu”, you should wash your hands often to avoid spreading the infection. advertisement

Method 6 of 7: Use other methods to reduce discomfort

1. 

   Use breathing techniques. Breathing is a way to relax and stop paying attention to the pain of spasm. You can practice breathing techniques while doing something that attracts attention, like watching television.
   • Focus on breathing. Fast and shallow breathing in a 1-2 rhythm (rapid inhalation, rapid exhalation).

2. 

   Avoid certain drinks. Alcohol, caffeine or carbonated drinks can contribute to stomach upset. You should drink water or clear water.

3. 

   Exercise to ease the contractions. You can walk around the house or walk in the garden. This is very helpful if you feel uncomfortable sitting or lying down.
   • It is best to avoid abdominal exercises to avoid discomfort, especially if the cramping is caused by exercising too much. You should know your tolerance limits.

4. 

   Try yoga. Some evidence suggests that yoga can help reduce stomach problems like irritable bowel syndrome. If you get used to it, you can try poses to expand your abdomen. Depending on where the spasm occurs, you can practice Fish Pose (fish pose) or Reclining Hero. The Downward Facing Dog pose is also helpful.
   • If you have muscle spasms, do some abdominal exercises at a different time and only stretch with Cobra Pose (cobra position). Any position that causes you to face up, look forward, or raise your face to the sun can cause mild abdominal tension.

5. 

   Apply heat. Putting a hot compress, a bag of hot wheat, or a hot water bottle on your stomach can help temporarily relieve spasms. On the other hand, there is still a lot of debate about whether a hot compress can be applied when accompanied by nausea symptoms. You can experiment and see how your body reacts to the heat to find the best way.

6. 

   Push the air out. You should give yourself a chance to push the air out. If you are at work or where it is not possible to deflate, you can get permission to use the restroom. Do not hold back on gas to avoid bloating and make the contraction worse and more painful.

7. 

   Soak in a tub of warm water. A warm bath can also help in some cases of contractions. Note should adjust the temperature just right, do not soak in too hot water. advertisement

Method 7 of 7: See a doctor

1. 

   Know when to get immediate care. Know when to see a doctor or get help. Abdominal pain is a symptom of many different problems and some problems can be very serious, such as peptic ulcer, pancreatitis, appendicitis, autoimmune disease, gallbladder problem, cancer letters, ... In general, when you have an upset stomach, you should seek help right away if:
   • Pain comes on suddenly and is severe, or pain in the chest, neck or shoulders
   • Vomiting or blood in the stool
   • The abdomen is stiff and painful to the touch
   • Inability to have a bowel movement (no bowel movements) and vomiting

2. 

   Determine if heartburn / indigestion needs medical attention. Although heartburn / indigestion is usually a minor problem and can be treated with over-the-counter medications, you should see your doctor if:
   • Symptoms last for more than a few days and do not get better with medication.
   • Unintentional weight loss.
   • There was sudden and severe pain. Seek immediate medical attention if it is painful.
   • Difficulty swallowing.
   • Pale or yellow skin or eyes.
   • Bloody vomiting or black, bloody stools in the stool.
   • Feces are like coffee grounds

3. 

   
   
   Determine if gastroenteritis requires medical attention. See your doctor if your “stomach flu” is accompanied by the following symptoms:
   • Vomiting for more than 2 days.
   • Diarrhea lasts for more than days or diarrhea is bloody.
   • The fever persists more than 38 degrees Celsius.
   • Mild headache, fainting or dizziness while standing.

4. 

   
   
   Avoid taking certain medications before seeing your doctor. If you decide to see a doctor, you should avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, other anti-inflammatory drugs and narcotic pain relievers unless your doctor has examined or prescribed it. These medications can make pain worse.
   • However, if you know that the contraction is caused by menstrual cramps, you can take an anti-inflammatory medication.
   • Acetaminophen can be taken if your doctor confirms that the pain is not related to your liver.
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Advice

• Don't eat spicy foods.
• Do not take medications unless required.
• Sit upright (do not bend), apply warm compresses to your abdomen, drink warm water and raise your legs.
• Sit up straight and put pillows underneath to elevate your back while you sleep.
• Pay attention to the possibility that you have an illness or health problem that causes stomach cramps. Certain diseases or health problems may cause stomach cramps including Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, ulcers, diverticulitis, intestinal obstruction, pancreatitis, colitis, urinary tract infection, cancer and a hernia. In that case, you should consult your doctor and order medical tests as well as ask about treatment options.

Warning

• Poisoning, including animal or insect bites, can cause severe abdominal pain. If you have been bitten or exposed to toxic chemicals, you should call an ambulance and follow the instructions.
• This article is informational but is not intended for medical advice. If you are unsure how to identify or treat a stomach contraction, consult your doctor.