Abdominal Pain

Abdominal Pain Treatment

There are many types of treatment for abdominal pain. Which type of treatment is appropriate for you will mainly depend upon the underlying cause of your pain. Depending on what your tests or exams reveal, your provider may prescribe or recommend a number of treatments, from medications to surgical options. These may include^[13]:

• Antacid medications
• Antibiotics
• Proton pump inhibitors
• Surgical procedures (such as an appendectomy, colectomy, or ileostomy)

Medication for abdominal pain

Antacids can help provide relief from abdominal pain caused by mild-to-moderate acid reflux. Some over-the-counter antacids and acid relievers include:

It’s important to note that you should not take over-the-counter pain relievers^[14] to relieve abdominal pain. These medications, which include ibuprofen (generic Advil, Motrin IB, others) and aspirin, can irritate the stomach lining, causing your pain to worsen. In the case of menstrual cramps, however, pain relievers will not cause undue irritation and are often an effective option for alleviating pain.

Abdominal pain relief

While you shouldn’t take pain relievers for abdominal pain, there are a number of steps you can take to help ease your discomfort without medication. Some home care steps that may help relieve mild stomach pain include^[15]:

• Drinking plenty of water (you may need to sip on it slowly to prevent worsening your pain)
• Eating more frequent smaller meals, rather than three large meals
• Avoiding foods that can cause gas, including beans and lentils, cabbage, broccoli, lactose, whole grains, and fruits
• If you have been vomiting, eating small amounts of mild foods, such as applesauce, rice, or crackers
• If you are experiencing menstrual cramps, taking over-the-counter pain relievers (as directed by your healthcare provider and the medication’s instructions) and using a heating pad or soaking in a warm bath