Stomach Pain Treatment Questions and Answers

The following remedies can provide relief for stomach pain:

• Over-the-Counter Medications
• Herbal remedies, such as: peppermint and peppermint oil; rhubarb; barley; tangerine peel; cardamom; licorice root 
• Exercise
• Stomach massage
• Diet changes, such as: High-fiber foods; fruits and sweets rich in fructose; Sorbitol; dairy products that contain lactose; cruciferous vegetables (cabbage and related vegetables).
• Habit changes, including: stopping smoking; eating slowly; avoiding gum or candy; avoiding carbonated drinks, such as soda and pop
• Drinking through a straw
• Using a heating pad 
• Drawing a hot bath 
• Getting some sleep
• Not overeating
• Drinking Chamomile tea
• Eating ginger

The best position to minimize stomach pain is the fetal position. This is when the body is at rest lying on the side, the spine is curved, the head is bowed forward, and the arms and legs are bent and tucked in toward the chest. The name comes from how fetuses are positioned when in the womb, and is effective at relieving stomach pain because, when the body is upright or standing, the abdominal muscles are stretched and under pressure. This pressure is also felt by the internal organs. However, when in the fetal position, the muscles are not stretched and the internal organs have more space, making it easier for them to function. This rule goes for all abdominal issues, from the stomach flu to menstrual cycle symptoms.

In addition, the best sleeping positions for stomach pain include:

• On the left side
• On the side; pillow between legs
• On the back
• On the back; pillow under knees

There are many causes of stomach cramps, including:

• Viral or bacterial infection: symptoms include: stomach ache or cramping; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea; exhaustion; fever
• Food poisoning: symptoms include: stomach pain or cramping; nausea; vomiting; diarrhea        exhaustion
• Food sensitivity: symptoms include: stomach cramps; bloating in the upper abdomen; feeling uncomfortably full; nausea; heartburn; diarrhea; excessive gas
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): symptoms include: stomach cramps more than once a week; diarrhea; constipation; stool becomes frequent or less frequent
• Menstrual cramps: symptoms include: cramps in the lower abdomen; nausea; diarrhea; bloating; fatigue; headache
• Constipation: symptoms include: stomach cramps; a feeling of fullness in the abdomen; bloating; hardened, pellet-like stool that is difficult to pass; fewer than 3 bowel movements a week
• Anxiety: symptoms include: stomach pain or cramping; elevated heart rate; increased breathing rate; constipation or diarrhea; stress
• Pregnancy: symptoms include: stomach cramps; bloating
• Appendicitis: symptoms include: stomach cramps; abdominal pain (near the navel/lower abdomen); fever; nausea; vomiting
• Diverticulitis: symptoms include: pain; nausea and vomiting; fever; abdominal tenderness; constipation or, less commonly, diarrhea
• An intestinal obstruction: symptoms include: abdominal cramps that come and go; loss of appetite; constipation; vomiting; inability to have a bowel movement; swelling of the abdomen
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as: Crohn’s disease; ulcerative colitis

Stomach viruses generally have an incubation period of 1-3 days, and during this time, symptoms are not typically present. However, when the symptoms appear, they generally last between one to two days. In some cases, symptoms can linger for as long as 10 days, which is especially true for people with weakened immune systems.

At Immediate Care of Oklahoma, we are dedicated to helping you feel better and use treatments that are proven to be safe and effective at ameliorating abdominal discomfort. We have 8 locations to better serve you: one in Edmond, OK; two in Norman, OK; one in Tecumseh, OK; two in Oklahoma City, OK; and one in Yukon, OK. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from West Moore OK, Norman (HealthPlex) OK, Norman (24th) OK, Edmond OK, Yukon OK, I-240 & Sooner RD OK, Tecumseh OK, and Bethany OK.