How to treat stomach pain at home and when to see a doctor

Stomach pain can occur for a variety of reasons and can be due to stress, poor diet, lack of exercise, drinking less water, eating poor quality food, or your body’s alarms about an illness or abnormal condition.

The Ministry of Health advises that if you experience moderate abdominal pain, you can take steps at home. Drinking warm liquids, such as peppermint tea, can ease discomfort, while a balanced diet rich in fiber and vitamins is an important part of managing minor pain. Here are some foods you can eat to support your stomach health:

• Vegetables: lettuce, carrots, spinach, eggplant and broccoli.
• Lentils and peas.
• Quinoa.
• Olive oil.
• Fruit: apples, bananas, kiwis, oranges and strawberries.
• Almonds and nuts.

type of stomach pain

1. Colic: This pain is characterized by intermittent and recurrent attacks with varying intensity. It can be caused by muscle contractions in digestive organs such as the intestines and is often associated with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

2. Acute pain: Acute stomach pain is sudden and severe. It may indicate a serious medical problem, such as appendicitis, intestinal blockage, or acute pancreatitis. The World Health Organization emphasizes that such pain requires immediate medical attention.

3. Burning pain: This type of pain is characterized by a burning sensation in the upper abdomen or chest. This could be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or a peptic ulcer, in which stomach acid backs up into the esophagus and causes irritation.

4. Spasmodic pain: Spasmodic pain occurs in the form of abdominal cramps or severe contractions. It can be caused by conditions such as diverticulitis (inflammation involving the small sacs of the colon) or biliary colic associated with gallstones.

5. Referral pain: Sometimes stomach pain can come from another part of the body, such as the heart or spine. For example, a heart attack may present as abdominal pain. Recognizing this type of pain is critical for an accurate medical assessment.

6. Visceral pain: Visceral pain is a feeling of pressure, swelling, or fullness in the abdomen. It can be caused by dilation of internal organs, such as the intestines or liver. IBS and inflammatory bowel disease are examples of diseases associated with visceral pain.

7. Chronic Pain: Stomach pain that persists for a long time is considered chronic. It could be a symptom of conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, or ulcerative colitis. A medical evaluation is essential to properly manage chronic pain.

It is important to remember that self-diagnosis based on the type of stomach pain can be risky. If persistent or severe abdominal pain occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention in time for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

When to see a specialist?

Stomach pain can convey important information about a person’s health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified certain characteristics that may be warning signs for immediate medical attention.

Stomach upset or pain is fairly common, but the World Health Organization emphasizes that immediate medical attention is essential if pain is severe (ie sharp and sudden) as it may indicate a more serious condition. Also, if the pain moves to other parts of the body or is accompanied by high fever, persistent vomiting, or bleeding. These symptoms may indicate a medical condition that requires professional evaluation and treatment.

It is advised not to cross this “line,” as certain symptoms may signal a serious medical problem. Prompt action in these situations is critical to preventing complications and ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment.

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