Depending on the type of pain you are experiencing, there are various options available to treat GI pain on both a daily and as-needed basis. Just because you may have been diagnosed with a chronic GI condition or experience relenting symptoms from your GI issue doesn’t mean you need to live in pain regularly. Instead, listen to your body and get the advice and treatment you need to live a more fulfilling and pain-free life, in harmony with your GI tract.
Remember that properly treating symptoms requires understanding exactly what is causing the issue in the first place. There are a plethora of options available when it comes to treating most GI issues. From an upset stomach to heartburn and constipation, there are both over the counter and at home remedies to alleviate pain. In some cases, medical attention, or even a 911 call, may be the answer to treatment for extreme and/or chronic symptoms.
Over-the-counter options
There are numerous OTC options when it comes to treating GI pain. Here is a list of the top choices to be found in your local drug store.
Gas pain
To ease gas pain at the source opt for an OTC medication, like Gas-X or Mylanta, that have simethicone in it. This is an anti-foaming agent that helps to reduce bloating and overall discomfort caused by gas pains in the stomach and GI tract. Simethicone works by reducing the surface tension of gas bubbles that have formed in your stomach or GI tract to prevent gas formation.
Heartburn
The best way to treat light to moderate heartburn, caused by acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD), is with OTC antacids or acid reducers such as Zantac and Pepcid AC. Antacids work to reduce stomach acidity by being made from a mix of magnesium, calcium and aluminum salts. All work together to reduce excessive stomach acids in your body.
Constipation
If you’re experiencing constipation the best OTC options include stool softeners or laxatives. Stool softeners, like Colace or Dulcolax, work with an active ingredient called Docusate by increasing the amount of moisture to your stools, making for an easier, less painful bowel movement. Most stool softeners begin working immediately after taking and the urge for a bowel movement appears within 12 to 72 hours. Stool softeners are the go-to choice for those who need to keep their bowels soft and avoid struggling with constipation after events like childbirth, a surgery and for those suffering with hemorrhoids or anal fissure.
In turn, laxatives, like Miralax or Dulcolax, are a better option for those directly struggling with constipation. If you haven’t had a bowel movement in a few days, laxatives are the best option to help you go.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can occur for a multitude of reasons, including a bad reaction to food, food allergies or poisoning, medication, a virus or GI specific chronic issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Diarrhea is one of the most common GI issues noted, affecting 3 million people a year. Most cases are mild and don’t need specific treatment. Fluid intake and rest are important factors in healing more quickly from a bout of diarrhea. If your case is a bit more severe you can opt for OTC medications like Imodium or Pepto Bismol. These anti-diarrheal medications help slow down how fast things move through your intestines allowing more fluid to absorb directly into your bottom and not come out through your bowels.
At home remedies
There are various at home remedies that can help alleviate general GI pain. Those include:
Using a heating pad on the sore area.
Drinking plenty of water.
Consuming peppermint or chamomile tea to ease gas pains.
Avoiding foods that bother you or make your GI pains act up.
Eating several small meals throughout the day versus three standard meals.
Exercising daily.
Time to seek medical treatment
Although OTC medications and at-home remedies can work wonders on short-term GI issues that arise, it may be time to seek medical treatment if you are experiencing any chronic conditions or extensive pain.
It is time to seek medical help if:
You have severe abdominal pain.
Your pain persists for days.
You have a fever along with your GI pain.
You have blood in your urine or stool.
You have heartburn that doesn’t improve with OTC medicine and lasts more than two weeks.
You have recently experienced an abdominal injury prior to the onset of symptoms.
You're pregnant and experiencing abnormal abdominal pain.
GI pain does not have to be something you live with on a regular basis. There are both over-the-counter and at-home remedies available to you. If you are experiencing chronic GI pain, schedule an appointment with us today to solve your GI problem and get the treatment you need to ease your pain.