Pain in the stomach, located in the epigastric region, called “in the pit of the stomach,” can be of a different nature. From heaviness, burning, discomfort, heartburn, to belching, spasms and acute pain, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, problems with bowel movements.
Based on external signs, it is very difficult to determine the reason why the stomach hurts. This can be done after a medical examination and tests. But sometimes there are situations in which it is necessary to relieve acute pain before arriving or visiting a doctor with an anesthetic. The editors of the “I Found It” website have prepared for you a review of the best remedies for stomach pain for 2021.
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).
How and why the stomach and pancreas hurt
This unpleasant symptom accompanies many diseases of both the stomach and pancreas. These organs are located nearby, so it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis only based on visual examination and sensations. But more often the pain is provoked by:
- Acute pancreatitis. This pathology of the pancreas often develops against the background of cholelithiasis.
- Increased stomach acidity. It is dangerous because it leads to gastritis and gastroduodenitis.
- Ulcer. Erosive formations on the walls of the stomach, esophagus, and duodenum are often the result of increased production of hydrochloric acid.
- Chronic pathologies of the pancreas and stomach. In this case, pain manifests itself during periods of exacerbation of gastritis, pancreatitis, and peptic ulcer.
With pancreatitis, severe pain in most cases is concentrated on the right side or in the center of the abdomen, radiating to the lumbar back and right shoulder blade. It starts half an hour to an hour after eating. For stomach problems, it can be aching and sharp, stabbing and dull. Mainly associated with eating or a long break from eating.
In what cases can you take the medicine?
Self-prescription of medications is not recommended for several reasons:
- they can change the initial symptoms of the disease, complicating its subsequent diagnosis by a specialist;
- Taking an effective painkiller, one can make a false conclusion that the cause has been eliminated, although only the effect will be eliminated.
Taking a pain reliever without the risk of worsening the condition is possible only in some cases:
- as a temporary measure to relieve pain until examined by a doctor, diagnosed and prescribed treatment;
- with a diagnosis previously made by a specialist and periodic use of the drug;
- as a test to confirm the diagnosis.
Dosage forms of painkillers
It is not possible to use one or another remedy in all cases (due to nausea, children). Therefore, they are produced in the widest possible pharmacological forms:
- tableted;
- injections for intravenous and intramuscular administration;
- candlelight;
- instant powders;
- suspensions;
- drops;
- gels;
- chewable tablets.
Classification of drugs
Based on their effect on the body and functionality, drugs are divided into several types:
- Antispasmodics
When muscle spasms occur, this drug group can relieve them and their accompanying pain. With their unstable nature: from increase to decrease, depending on the effect of heat on them, the occupied comfortable position.
By type of impact they are divided into:
- myotropic, acting on smooth muscle tissue;
- neurotropic, blocking the process of excitation of nerve endings, acting relaxing on muscle tissue.
The functionality of such drugs is aimed at relaxing the muscle tissue of the stomach, especially its upper section.
The big advantage is that they do not mask the underlying cause of the pain and will not interfere with identifying the cause of the pain.
Safe use is possible within 2-3 days.
If after this the result is not observed, you should consult a doctor.
- Analgesics
Analgesics are medications used to relieve mild to severe pain.
They can reduce the degree of pain or eliminate it completely.
Based on their effect on the body, they are classified into:
- peripheral;
- mixed;
- non-narcotic;
- narcotic.
Their effectiveness is based on the effect on the central nervous system and activated brain neurons, which create a subjective painful sensation in the patient.
The use of such drugs without a diagnosis can harm the definition of the disease, distorting the real symptoms.
- Anticholinergic
Or anticholinergics - substances that prevent the increased secretion of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Which, in turn, acting on the walls, destroys them. They are quite effective. But such drugs have contraindications in the presence of diseases: tachycardia, glaucoma, prostate adenoma, fecal and urinary retention, pregnancy.
- Antacids
The name comes from the merger of two Greek words “anti” and “cidus” - “against sour.” This group of drugs is symptomatic, i.e. They can be taken for several days to relieve symptoms while planning an examination. They neutralize hydrochloric acid, reducing the acidity level.
There are:
- absorbable, i.e. dissolving in the blood. Despite the rapidity of the positive effect, they have a number of disadvantages in the form of side effects, short duration of action, the development of alkalosis (change in pH balance), and the appearance of acid rebound (increase in acidity after stopping taking the drugs). Therefore they are less popular.
- Non-absorbable antacids. They exert their therapeutic effect not so quickly, but with a longer lasting effect (up to 3 hours).
- Astringent-enveloping
Products in this category are not leaders in relieving stomach pain. Their action is somewhat different from the usual one that relieves pain. Already from the name it is clear that they provide assistance in the form of creating a kind of protective film that envelops the walls of the stomach. This reduces irritation to existing ulcers, inflammation, and erosion. This relieves swelling and inflammation.
- Enzymatic
These are products that contain digestive enzymes.
They contain lipase, amylase, protease, which help the process of digestion and passage of food. As a result, the pressure on the walls decreases, pain decreases, and gastric heaviness goes away.
They normalize metabolism. They are produced from enzymes of animal origin, plants, and microorganisms. They can be taken before or during heavy overeating, without a doctor’s prescription.
- Activating motor skills
Such drugs activate the efficiency of the digestive tract, improving digestion in case of “flaccid” stomach syndrome. Symptoms are: bloating, heaviness after eating, belching, nausea, vomiting.
Their use is contraindicated for stomach cramps.
- Combined
Combination products include products that include several types of effects on the stomach and contain several active substances. With their help, you can directly influence the causes of pain.
They have advantages: ease of use, lower cost compared to the corresponding drugs separately, low level of side effects, etc.
The disadvantages include: the impossibility of changing the dose of one of the substances, the exclusion of taking the medicine at different times relative to taking food, the onset of the maximum effect from each ingredient varies in time, the impossibility of taking others during the acute period.
The use of such drugs is indicated for: clearly established indications, with positive data on combination therapy, maintenance therapy, and are suitable for long-term treatment of “forgetful” patients.
Antacids
Pain in the stomach area can be caused by many reasons, which should be determined by a doctor after a thorough examination. Perhaps they are due to the increased production of gastric secretions, which contain a large percentage of hydrochloric acid. To rid the stomach of its negative effects, soluble antacid drugs are used, they are also called absorbable. These are substances such as:
- sodium bicarbonate (baking soda);
- magnesium oxide (burnt magnesia);
- calcium carbonate;
- magnesium carbonate.
Medicines based on these active substances work quickly, relieving pain, but have many negative side effects. One of them is acid rebound. This effect occurs against the background of a sharp decrease in the level of acidity in the stomach, due to which the stomach begins to produce hydrochloric acid even more actively, resulting in heartburn. Such drugs are not recommended to be taken in the evening after meals, since at night it will be impossible to compensate for the release of hydrochloric acid by eating. Among the pharmaceutical drugs belonging to this group is the widely advertised “Rennie”.
Folk recipes
Traditional medicine recipes are based on the use of decoctions and infusions from plants. For the most part, they do not have a negative effect.
Many stomach pain remedies contain plants.
They will help in cases where the medicine cannot be used for some reason, due to physical condition, or pregnancy.
- Chamomile
This plant is known to have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. Prepared tea from 1 tbsp. spoons of herbs and 200 ml of boiling water, leave for a few minutes, take ½ cup about 5 times. This is the most common folk remedy for relieving stomach pain.
- Mint
Sweet mint tea will also help relieve pain. It will have a relaxing effect on the muscles of the stomach walls, relieve spasms and reduce pain. Can be used as herbal tea, chew the leaves, inhale the infusion vapor.
- Ginger
Used as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent. From belching, to normalize metabolism, digestion of heavy foods, indigestion, etc.
Ginger water is prepared from 1 tsp. ginger juice and 200 ml water. It is recommended to use only in freshly prepared form. If you don't have fresh root, you can make tea from ginger powder.
Not used for high acidity.
Also, from a variety of folk recipes, you can select recipes for various effects: for acute pain, astringent, for discomfort, for increased acidity, etc.
Combination of drugs
It is imperative to check the compatibility of tablets for stomach discomfort with each other. For example, antiemetic drugs are not “friendly” with each other. And antacids are not combined with enzyme agents. In addition, certain medications neutralize each other's effects. Therefore, before you start treating a stomach that hurts, it is better to consult your doctor. Not all medications can be used by a child (“Magnesium, calcium and sodium alginate”, “Tetracycline”, “Teraflex”, “Trichopol”).
Prevention of stomach pain
To prevent stomach pain, it is worth taking a number of measures, including dietary nutrition.
If you:
- lover of snacks on the go;
- practice various diets, not always tested;
- treat yourself as a smoker;
- indulge in strong drinks;
- You prefer fatty and heavy foods to vegetables and fruits;
- are taking antibiotics;
- susceptible to frequent colds due to reduced immunity, etc.,
then you should think about carrying out prevention once every six months or once a month, depending on your condition and your capabilities, as well as your desire.
Tips for “cleansing” the stomach include exclusion from the menu:
- hot spices;
- vinegar;
- replacing sugar with sweeteners;
- reducing salt intake;
- sweet carbonated drinks;
- alcohol;
- coffee.
The mode of eating is also important:
- 5-6 meals a day, in small portions, to reduce the size of the stomach.
- breakfast should be hearty;
- for lunch, low-fat soup is required;
- Stewed vegetables are suitable for dinner; steamed meat;
- Low-fat dairy products and vegetable salads are suitable for snacks;
- If possible, fruits should be excluded for this period.
Nutrition culture is fundamental to the topic of cleansing and proper functioning of not only the stomach, but also the entire gastrointestinal tract system.
Summary - tips for taking action
The list of measures to help with stomach pain includes the following recommendations:
- For stomach pain accompanied by cramps, papaverine or no-spa will help, repeating the dose after 4 hours.
- For heartburn, you need to dissolve and take phosphalugel or Maalox powder.
- If there is pain, heaviness in the stomach or nausea after eating a large fatty meal, you should take pancreatin, and for nausea - motilium.
- In case of acute dagger pain, gag reflex, diarrhea, high temperature, you must call an ambulance.
- If the pain is constant and increasing, does not decrease after taking antispasmodics, with a deterioration in general health, also call emergency doctors.
- The pain subsides, but does not go away completely within a few days - it is worth making an appointment with a doctor and undergoing an examination to establish a diagnosis.
Below is a list of proven remedies for stomach pain, recommended by experts.
Rating of quality products recommended by experts
For spasms
Papaverine
- Manufacturer: JSC Avexima (Russia);
- Dosage form: tablets;
- Average price: 9 rubles;
- Reviews: average rating 4.6 out of 5; 94% of users recommend.
Papaverine
The drug is available in the form of tablets weighing 40 mg, 10 and 20 pcs. Also in the form of a solution for injection and suppositories. The active ingredient is papaverine.
The drug is an antispasmodic that has a relaxing effect on muscle tone and blood vessels. Under its action, the arteries dilate and blood flow increases. The drug is used for muscle spasms, as a combination therapy.
Indicated for use in children over 1 year of age and adults.
Contraindications for use include:
- presence of glaucoma;
- liver failure;
- children under 6 months;
- elderly patients;
- increased sensitivity to components.
Advantages:
- quick relief of spasms;
- possible during pregnancy;
- efficiency;
- comfortable shape;
- inexpensive;
- many indications.
Flaws:
- has contraindications.
No-shpa
- Manufacturer: Hungary;
- Dosage form: tablets:
- Average price: 114 rubles;
- Reviews: average rating 4.2 out of 5; 85% of users recommend.
No-shpa
A powerful antispasmodic drug with the active ingredient drotaverine. By relaxing muscle tissue, it also has a dilating effect on blood vessels, improving blood supply to tissues. These actions lead to a decrease in stomach pain.
No-shpu is recommended for use when:
- stomach ulcer;
- duodenal ulcer;
- gastritis;
- enteritis;
- colitis;
- colitis with constipation;
- irritable bowel syndrome;
- flatulence.
Use without a doctor's recommendation can last from 2 to 3 days.
If symptoms persist, you should stop taking no-shpa and consult a specialist.
Can be used for adults and children over 6 years old.
After taking the medicine, side effects are possible in the form of:
- headaches;
- insomnia;
- reducing blood pressure;
- allergic reactions, etc.
During pregnancy and breastfeeding, use the drug with caution, after consulting a doctor and weighing the risk to the fetus.
This drug should not be used if:
- liver or kidney failure;
- heart failure;
- children under 6 years of age;
- during lactation;
- lactase intolerance;
- individual intolerance to components.
Advantages:
- harmlessness;
- quality;
- reasonable cost;
- long shelf life;
- small size;
- effective assistance;
- versatility.
Flaws:
- contraindicated for hypotensive patients (reduces blood pressure);
- has side effects (in rare cases).
Analgesics
Spazgan
- Manufacturer: India;
- Dosage form: tablets;
- Average price: 128 rubles;
- Reviews: average rating 4.7 out of 5; 93% of users recommend the product.
Spazgan
The active ingredients of the Indian drug are several substances:
- fenpiverinium bromide;
- metamizole sodium;
- pitofenone.
The combined agent has an analgesic and antispasmodic effect.
The combination of several active components has an enhanced effect in the form of:
- muscle relaxation;
- lowering temperature and relieving inflammation.
Indicated for treatment of adults and adolescents over 12 years of age.
Possible side effects include:
- chills;
- allergic reactions;
- hives;
- difficulty swallowing;
- dry mouth;
- decrease in pressure;
- light sweating;
- difficulty urinating;
- staining urine red.
The medicine has restrictions for use during pregnancy and lactation.
The product is also not recommended for:
- heart failure;
- intestinal obstruction;
- liver, kidney, heart failure;
- infants up to 3 months. and etc.
Advantages:
- accessible;
- from spasm;
- various dosage forms;
- fast action;
- effective;
- not expensive.
Flaws:
- has contraindications.
Baralgin
- Manufacturer: India;
- Dosage form: tablets;
- Average price: 169 rubles;
- Reviews: average rating 4.6 out of 5.
Baralgin
The medicine is available in the form of tablets weighing 500 mg, in different quantities (10, 20, 50, 100 pcs.) and injections for intramuscular and intravenous injections.
The active ingredient is metamizole sodium.
The drug is a non-narcotic analgesic that prevents the formation of pain impulses, has an anti-inflammatory effect, and reduces temperature.
Reduces discomfort during intestinal colic and other pain.
Contraindicated for use:
- teenagers under 15 years of age;
- pregnant women in the 1st and 3rd trimesters;
- breastfeeding;
- hypersensitivity to the constituent components and active substance;
- and some other diseases.
Advantages:
- eliminates pain;
- fast-acting;
- budget;
- long lasting effect;
- high quality;
- free vacation.
Flaws:
- the tablets are quite large;
- requires caution;
- has contraindications.
Astringent action
Vikair
- Manufacturer: Russia;
- Dosage form: tablets;
- Average price: 68 rub.;
- Reviews: rating 5 out of 5.
Vikair
Vikair from a Russian manufacturer is available in tablet form, 10, 20, 30, 50, 100 pcs.
Refers to combination drugs, has:
- astringent;
- antacid (suppression of disorders associated with increased acidity);
- laxative;
- antispasmodic;
- anti-inflammatory;
- reparative (restorative);
- bactericidal;
- reducing acidity levels;
- reducing the activity of pepsin (digestive enzyme).
Side effects include loose stools and allergies.
Contraindications for the use of the drug include the presence of:
- gastritis;
- renal failure;
- appendicitis;
- enterocolitis;
- children under 18 years of age;
- pregnancy period;
- breastfeeding;
- individual intolerance to the components included in the composition.
Advantages:
- plant composition;
- price;
- Effect;
- reduces acidity;
- removes pain;
- helps with heartburn;
- long-term effect.
Flaws:
- has contraindications.
Combined
Iberogast
- Manufacturer: Switzerland;
- Dosage form: drops;
- Average price: 462 rubles;
- Reviews: average rating 4.5 out of 5; 90% of users recommend.
Iberogast
Drops for oral use from a Swiss manufacturer have a sweetish taste. Ease of use is ensured by a pipette on a bottle of 50 ml and 100 ml.
The undoubted advantages of the drops include their plant composition, consisting of liquid extracts, fruits and roots:
- Iberians;
- angelica;
- pharmaceutical chamomile;
- caraway;
- milk thistle;
- lemon balm;
- peppermint;
- celandine;
- licorice.
The medicine provides:
- anti-inflammatory effect;
- normalization of gastrointestinal tract tone;
- preventing ulceration (formation of defects) of the mucous membrane;
- inhibition of the release of hydrochloric acid.
Indications include:
- IBS;
- feeling of heaviness;
- stomach cramps;
- belching;
- nausea;
- flatulence;
- constipation;
- diarrhea;
- gastritis;
- stomach ulcer;
- duodenal ulcer.
Contraindicated for children under 12 years of age, pregnant and lactating women.
With caution in case of liver diseases, because Contains ethanol (alcohol).
Advantages:
- improvement of the general condition of the gastrointestinal tract;
- sweet taste;
- plant composition;
- from heaviness in the stomach;
- quality;
- suitable for teenagers from 12 years old;
- fast action.
Flaws:
- expensive;
- may seem cloying;
- one dosage form.
Trimedat
Trimedat is a comprehensive remedy for digestive problems.
The drug has a triple mechanism of action: prokinetic, antispasmodic and analgesic. It acts throughout the gastrointestinal tract and helps eliminate several symptoms at once - both from the upper and lower gastrointestinal tracts, acting on the cause of their appearance - impaired motility of the gastrointestinal tract.
Trimedat can be used for the following symptoms:
- abdominal pain;
- spasms;
- feeling of heaviness;
- bloating;
- stool disorders;
- abdominal discomfort;
- heartburn;
- belching.
As a rule, such symptoms occur against the background of functional gastrointestinal diseases - irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux disease, biliary dysfunction.
This remedy can be taken once, but the recommended course of taking Trimedat is 4 weeks to achieve remission (so that symptoms do not return longer).
For course use, there is an enhanced form - Trimedat Forte, tablets with prolonged action, with a convenient dosage regimen of 1 tablet 2 times a day (instead of 3 times a day).
Trimedat Forte 60 tablets - one package for the full recommended course of treatment, saving up to 30% compared to 3 packages of Trimedat Forte 300 mg No. 20.
Trimedat
Advantages:
- helps eliminate several symptoms of digestive disorders at once (there is no need to take several medications at the same time for different symptoms);
- acts on the cause of symptoms;
- acts throughout the gastrointestinal tract;
- the most studied trimebutine drug in Russia;
- The only trimebutine drug on the Russian market that has been studied in pediatric practice.
Flaws:
- high price;
- lack of immediate effect in acute pain - Trimedat is not an emergency drug, the drug works to eliminate the cause of the disease and has a long-term effect, unlike conventional painkillers.
Anticholinergics
Buscopan
- Manufacturer: SANOFI JSC (Russia);
- Dosage form: rectal suppositories;
- Average price: 378 rubles;
- Reviews: average rating 3.8 out of 5.
Buscopan
The medicine is presented in the form of suppositories weighing 10 mg, 10 pcs. packaged. Also available in tablets weighing 10 mg, in various packaging.
The active ingredient of the drug hyoscine butyl bromide. The auxiliary substances in the composition are water and solid fat.
After use, there is a decrease in spasmodic pain in the stomach and abdomen, a decrease in the secretion of internal digestive organs.
Indications for use of the drug are periods of exacerbation of stomach and duodenal ulcers.
It can be used by adults and children over 6 years of age. Treatment with the drug is not recommended:
- pregnant women;
- breastfeeding;
- children under 6 years old;
- individual intolerance to the constituent components;
- with caution in case of intestinal obstruction.
The action of the drug in some cases can cause mild side effects such as:
- tachycardia;
- dry mouth;
- shortness of breath;
- skin reactions;
- urinary retention.
They pass quickly.
Advantages:
- helps well in combination;
- relieves attacks;
- does not affect the gastric mucosa;
- analgesic effect;
- well tolerated by patients;
- effective for gastrointestinal disorders caused by stress;
- helps with bloating;
- use in children over 6 years of age;
- convenient form if it is impossible to take tablets;
- long-term storage;
- quick effect.
Flaws:
- side effects;
- price.
Dicetel
- Manufacturer: Germany;
- Dosage form: tablets;
- Average price: 534 rubles;
- Reviews: average rating 3.5; recommended by 68% of users.
Dicetel
The German product is available in tablet form weighing 50 mg * 20 pcs. and 100 mg * 20 pcs.
With the active substance pinaverium bromide, it is prescribed for:
- myotropic and anticholinergic effects.
- reducing stomach spasms;
- reducing the release of hydrochloric acid;
- accelerating food digestion.
Has a positive effect when:
- pain associated with gastrointestinal disorders;
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome).
The drug should be taken 3 times a day, 50 mg, with meals. Not recommended for use before bedtime.
It has few contraindications, only for patients with individual intolerance to the components.
Side effects are also not numerous: in some cases, mild nausea, vomiting, constipation.
During pregnancy, breastfeeding and in children, use with caution, only after consultation with a specialist. Possibly in cases where the positive effect outweighs the risk of its use.
Advantages:
- help with slow bowel movements;
- normalizes bowel movements;
- with spasms;
- strong;
- from spastic colitis;
- with irritable bowel syndrome;
- soft action;
- eliminates pulling sensations;
- strong analgesic effect;
- few side effects;
- not many contraindications;
- from flatulence.
Flaws:
- expensive;
- addictive.
Medicines for pancreatitis
Inflammation of the pancreas is manifested by pain in the left hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting, and upset stool. Pancreatic disease occurs in acute and chronic forms. In acute pancreatitis, intense girdling pain, vomiting, and fever occur. Acute inflammation of the pancreas is an indication for hospitalization; medications for pancreatitis are administered by injection.
Chronic pancreatitis in the acute stage is characterized by the same symptoms, but with less intensity. It is allowed to treat the pancreas with medications on an outpatient basis.
Antispasmodics
They are used when a person has severe pain in the stomach area. Antispasmodics temporarily relieve pain and improve the flow of pancreatic juice:
- "No-shpa";
- "Papaverine";
- "Trimedat".
No-shpa
Prescribe one tablet three times a day.
Enzymes
A contraindication to taking enzymes is acute pancreatitis. An inflamed pancreas produces large amounts of amylase and lipase, which destroy the organ. Enzyme tablets are effective in the chronic stage of the disease, when the pancreas produces little pancreatic juice.
The doctor prescribes suitable medications for the pancreas:
- "Mezim";
- "Creon";
- "Pangrol";
- "Hermital".
Take them before meals. Treatment continues for a long time, in many patients for life.
