Jan 28 2011
And Just What About Your Stomach Pain?
Having your stomach pain is not at all an uncommon experience for anyone. Everyone has felt it, maybe as a result of indigestion or intestinal gases, or maybe because of a specific medical condition such as an ulcer, pancreatitis, gallstones, hyperacidity, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Even beyond the aforementioned there is still a lengthy list of gastro-intestinal disorders that may manifest themselves as a stomach ache. If someone is afflicted by any of these medical condition stomach aches, many times relief will only come by taking a doctor prescribed medication, or even undergoing some type of corrective surgery.
There is still yet another form of stomach ache that appears to have no root cause and isn’t defined by any associated disorder. This is called functional or non-ulcer stomach pain. This type of stomach problem is more widespread than one might think and its severity and recurrence can vary from person to person. In this scenario the stomach discomfort can be a part of feeling bloated and completely full after only eating a small portion of food. The pain can resemble that of typical ulcer type of pain with immediate relief being sought.
A variety of pain relief measures are available, including over-the-counter medications, lifestyle modifications, and the use of herbal supplements. Which one will work best is usually determined on an individual basis, however, as with any medical issue, especially if it is chronic, the best place to start is with your physician. In some cases, if one type of relief doesn’t work, there are others that can be attempted. However, if after attempting various forms of relief, if the stomach pain persists, you will absolutely need to consult with your doctor.
Non-prescription medications for stomach pain include antacid and gas remedies. These antacids can be found as pills or liquids. This type of stomach pain medication provides needed relief by neutralizing stomach acid build up. Medications designed to relieve gas generally have an active ingredient call Simethicone that helps reduce gas build up in your system.
A big part of a lot of the stomach pain issues out there are related to lifestyle and eating habits; that if modified, will reduce if not eliminate many of the problems. Especially useful is the avoidance of foods that trigger stomach pain. For example fatty or spicy foods, caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and carbonated beverages are among some of the more common foods that trigger stomach aches. Another tip is to eat small portions with your meal; in fact, eat smaller portions more often than sitting down for one big meal at the end of the day. This simple tactic helps keep your stomach from grinding to a completely empty stage an triggering more stomach pain.
Other diet and lifestyle modifications than can help reduce stomach ache are:
* Slow your pace down when you eat. This helps ensure that food is chewed well and digested thoroughly.
* Try not to take in a lot of air. To do this, avoid smoking, chewing gum, eating fast, and drinking through a straw. Excessive air can result to excess gas and belching.
* After you eat, stay upright and let gravity work for you; don’t lie down. In fact, make it a rule to stay upright for at least two hours after consuming a meal.
* Right after a meal, do not exercise or exert yourself physically. Simply wait until your stomach has had a chance to settle the food.
* Reduce stress. Stress can cause stomach pain and many other health problems. A great of stress issues can be effectively managed by regular exercise, and regularly taking time away from stress zones and just engaging in some type of relaxing activity.
* Be active and exercise regularly.
Non-traditional remedies for stomach pains include herbal supplements such as peppermint and caraway oil. Some people also use hypnosis with a therapist, and various relaxation techniques, to eliminate non-ulcer stomach pain.
As with any type of health concern you should consult with your doctor before using any type of medication, especially if the stomach pain is or has become chronic.
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