70% of the population experiences stomach pain at least once in their lives. It's no secret that not everyone immediately runs to the doctor. The modern rhythm of life forces us to look for the shortest path to a quick “recovery”, which is not always associated with queues at the clinic and appointments for examinations. And the pain usually appears suddenly, sometimes at night. Often it is not strong enough to call an ambulance, but at the same time you want to get rid of it quickly.
The most accessible advisers in this case are the pharmacist on duty at the pharmacy and, of course, the Internet. It is impossible to say unequivocally that this is bad. But it’s not a fact that you will be lucky. You may not get competent information from either one. As the best medicine for stomach pain, they may offer you an expensive, advertised drug that you do not need at all, and in the worst case, will only aggravate the problem.
Causes of pain
The main function of the stomach is the breakdown of food through digestive juice, the structure of which consists of hydrochloric acid and enzymes.
Safe causes of pain:
- Abuse of fried, spicy or fatty foods;
- Accumulation of gases (flatulence);
- Infectious or parasitic lesions of the gastrointestinal tract;
- Physical exercise;
- Fatigue and overstrain;
- Eating new food that is unusual for the stomach.
These factors do not cause the need to see a doctor; you can eliminate this pain yourself.
If stomach discomfort occurs systematically, pay attention to the period of its occurrence. If you feel pain half an hour after eating food, this indicates the development of inflammation in the upper part of the digestive tract. The occurrence of painful sensations two to three hours after eating indicates tissue damage near the pylorus (gastritis, ulcer, erosion). Another dangerous pathology that is accompanied by pain is pancreatitis. Such diseases cause not only stomach discomfort, but also heartburn, diarrhea, cramps, etc.
Diagnostics
If your stomach hurts, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with a gastroenterologist. At an appointment with a diagnostician, you should talk about the nature of the appearance of spasms, their intensity and indicate the presence of unpleasant symptoms, if any. To examine the patient use:
- ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs;
- esogastroduodenography to see the condition of the stomach walls;
- computed tomography;
- blood and stool tests.
Infectious or parasitic lesion
Chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain indicate that the gastrointestinal tract is affected by infection, bacteria or fungi. This pathology occurs for the following reasons:
- Constant contact with animals;
- Failure to comply with hygiene rules;
- Eating unwashed vegetables and fruits;
- Using unboiled water;
- Use of low-quality products.
In this case, dysentery or food poisoning from cholera, staphylococcal or E. coli and other infections may occur. A high level of parasites can also cause pain, but to accurately determine the cause, it is necessary to undergo testing for their presence every few years.
general description
Types of pain
According to the nature, area of manifestation and intensity, stomach pain can be divided into several types:
- appearing after a meal or even the lightest snack - dull, aching or sharp, burning;
- at night (hunger pain);
- after eating cold, hot, fatty food - spasms, sometimes encircling, leading to loss of consciousness;
- constant, aggravated by walking;
- aching or dull;
- accompanied by a gag reflex, diarrhea, increased body temperature;
- with gas formation, a feeling of heaviness, bloating, constipation, diarrhea;
- with a change in the color of stool;
- loss of appetite, weight loss;
- accompanied by dizziness, rapid heartbeat, fainting, and difficulty breathing.
Symptoms may be painful or uncomfortable.
The complexity of the situation is that these symptoms may indicate not only diseases of the stomach, but also nearby organs (pancreas, heart, etc.).
This is why self-medication is dangerous.
Why does my stomach hurt - causes of pain
Pain is a signal from the body that some organ is not functioning properly. The stomach is no exception. The causes of pain can be the course of various diseases:
- ulcer;
- gastrointestinal infections;
- formation of polyps;
- other neoplasms;
- damaged gastric mucosa;
- cholecystitis;
- stomach injuries;
- allergy;
- intolerance to certain foods;
- liver dysfunction;
- pancreatitis;
- gastritis;
- causes of a psychosomatic nature (overexertion, nervous breakdown, stress);
- benign and malignant tumors;
- poisoning;
- colitis;
- duodenitis (inflammation of the duodenal mucosa);
- gastric atony (difficulty emptying).
Gastritis
Gastritis is a lesion of the mucous membrane. The symptoms of this pathology are the following: heaviness and pain in the stomach, nausea, heartburn. Pain sensations are localized in the ribs. With chronic gastritis, after eating food you feel heaviness and aching pain.
This pathology develops due to an increased level of acidity, which is why the stomach is affected by the microorganism Helicobacter. This disorder poisons the body, provokes the development of inflammation of the gastric mucosa, which causes tissue atrophy.
Indications for use
Basically, stomach tablets are included in the complex treatment of both acute and chronic gastrointestinal ailments. Among them:
- Ulcerative lesions, gastritis, accompanied by heartburn, cramps and belching.
- Pain, heaviness in the abdominal area after eating, increased formation of gases.
- Lesions of the gastrointestinal tract of a viral and infectious nature.
- Spasms and malfunction of the digestive system caused by prolonged stress.
- Poisoning with alcohol-containing drinks, low-quality products, accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting.
- Diarrhea or constipation, rumbling, discomfort in the intestinal area.
In addition, their use is justified for short-term ailments caused by dietary errors. For example, Enzistal tablets, according to the official instructions for use, promote complete and rapid digestion of food, eliminate such phenomena as fullness and heaviness of the stomach, shortness of breath caused by accumulated gases in the intestines, flatulence, and diarrhea.
In addition, they are recommended for:
- failure of chewing function caused by prolonged forced immobility;
- low activity;
- chronic inflammatory-dystrophic diseases of the stomach;
- preparation for ultrasound and x-ray examination of the peritoneal organs.
Remember that there are no universal pills.
Treatment
Are you experiencing discomfort in your stomach? Can't work normally due to bursting or cutting pain in the stomach? Finding the right drug is not difficult, since there is a huge selection of drugs that eliminate pain of any etiology.
Before taking pills, consult your doctor and get tested. Stomach pain is not always a signal about the need for drug treatment. In addition, such sensations do not always indicate a malfunction of the stomach; sometimes pathologies of other internal organs are reflected by an uncomfortable sensation in the gastrointestinal tract.
After analyzing reviews from customers who have already experienced stomach pain, we have compiled a list of recommended remedies that are effective for this problem.
What can and cannot be done before the ambulance arrives?
It is strictly prohibited:
- drink painkillers;
- give an enema;
- something to eat and drink;
- relieve pain with a soda solution;
- apply a heating pad;
- use laxatives, Aspirin, medications with paracetamol;
- smoking, drinking alcohol.
Before the ambulance doctor appears, you need to: put the patient in bed, ensure peace, remove or unfasten tight clothing, a belt, a belt. Apply a heating pad with cold water to the sore area. You can suggest lying on your side and pulling your knees to your chest, this way you can reduce pain.
Emergency medical care must be provided by an ambulance.
For flatulence and mild pain
Before using any drug, read the contraindications.
Name | Main substance | pros |
For spasms | ||
No-shpa | Drotaverine | The drug is approved for use from the age of six. It has no contraindications and does not cause side effects. Low cost. |
Drotaverine | Drotaverine | It contains a smaller amount of the main substance, which is why the medicine acts more gently. |
In case of disruption of the production of your own enzymes | ||
Mezim | Pancreatin | Quickly eliminates discomfort and bloating. Regulates the functioning of the pancreas. Breaks down food residues. |
Pancreatin | Pancreatin | Quickly eliminates increased gas formation. Can be used as prophylaxis. Low cost. |
In case of intestinal microflora disturbance | ||
Linex | Lebenin | Can be used even by newborn children. The drug does not cause side effects. For children, the product can be diluted in water. |
Bifiform | Bifidobacterium longum | Allowed for children. Instantly relieves bloating and pain. The action is long lasting. |
Mechanism of action of stomach tablets
According to the instructions for use, stomach medications have the following effects:
- Vasodilator and antispasmodic on the smooth muscles of the intestines and stomach.
- Analgesic: eliminate pain of varying degrees of intensity.
- Rids the body of toxic substances.
- Inhibit or neutralize excess synthesis of hydrochloric acid.
- Stops the inflammatory process.
- Helps break down complex food components.
For gastritis
Please note that treatment for gastritis is different in pregnant women, as most medications are contraindicated for them.
Name | Main substance | pros |
Almagel | Algeldrat | Quickly copes with heartburn due to gastritis. The drug has an absorbent effect and improves the protective properties of the mucous membrane. The price corresponds to the quality. |
Nexium | Esomeprazole | The price corresponds to the quality. This drug is one of the most effective for serious stomach problems. Can also be used for pancreatitis and ulcers. |
In addition to medications aimed at eliminating pain due to gastritis, you can take antispasmodics.
Prevention
Improper treatment of gastritis can cause the disease to become chronic. To exclude such a factor, special preventive measures should be taken. The body must receive a sufficient amount of vitamins. To achieve this task, it is necessary to adjust the diet and take vitamin complexes. If symptoms of the disease recur after therapy, then self-medication should be excluded.
Additional preventive measures:
- avoiding overeating or prolonged fasting;
- compliance with the rules of a balanced diet;
- rejection of bad habits;
- maintaining a healthy lifestyle;
- regular examination by a gastroenterologist.
Video on the topic: What medications to take for gastritis.
For peptic ulcer
Name | Main substance | pros |
Maalox | Convenient form - in the form of a suspension. The product has a pleasant taste. Quickly relieves heartburn and abdominal pain, has a gentle effect on the walls of the stomach. The drug is approved for use by pregnant women. | |
Ranitidine | Ranitidine | Quickly eliminates pain and has a long-lasting effect. The drug is economical (a small single dose is needed). Low cost. |
Ketorol | Tromethamine ketorolac | Has a powerful analgesic effect. Reduces inflammation. |
Gastrocepin | Pirenzepine | An affordable drug that quickly eliminates pain and nausea from ulcers and has a healing effect. The price corresponds to the quality. |
Treatment for stomach ulcers may also include the use of antibacterial drugs, which should be prescribed by a doctor. Do not self-medicate, as it can be not only useless, but also dangerous. In addition, with this pathology, diet plays a special role. The selection of the correct diet should be carried out by an experienced specialist.
To summarize, we can say that the range of drugs for stomach pain is huge. These products are classified by power level and indications for use. You can choose the necessary drug at an affordable price. If discomfort in the abdomen is a rare occurrence for you, then there is not always a need to use medications. If pain occurs regularly, consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Do not take medications without knowing the exact cause of your discomfort. Remember that timely treatment is the key to a quick recovery without complications. Be healthy!
In what dosage forms are stomach medications available?
Medicines for the stomach are available in the form of tablets, syrups, suspensions and powders, which should be dissolved in juice or water. Some drugs are available in different dosage forms. It depends on their purpose and characteristics of the action. For example, enveloping and adsorbing drugs (Almagel, Maalox, Phosphalugel, Gaviscon) are produced in the form of a suspension, and children's drugs are in the form of syrup.
Medicines for stomach pain in tablets:
- analgesics;
- antacids;
- proton pump blockers;
- astringents;
- gastroprotectors;
- combination drugs;
- antispasmodics.
When should you see a doctor if your stomach hurts?
You should visit a healthcare facility if the following clinical picture is observed:
- nausea, vomiting;
- pain with spasms;
- fever up to thirty-eight degrees and severe pain;
- there are blood spots in the vomit and feces;
- stomach pain that occurs due to urination or defecation disorders;
- the area of the peritoneum in the epigastrium is very tense and causes pain even to a light touch;
- pain syndrome provoked by injury.
If the above signs are detected, in order not to blur the severity of the signs, you should not take any medications.