What to take for tummy ache?

Tummy ache, or abdominal pain, is one of the most common complaints. It can happen for various reasons and in different ways, but it is always a significant inconvenience to overall wellbeing. Knowing what to take for tummy ache in each case is important not only to relieve symptoms more quickly, but also to avoid taking ineffective or incorrect medication. At Farmaciasdirect, we explain it all.

Find out what to take for tummy ache

The types of medicines for tummy ache are as varied as the symptoms and conditions they treat. These are the most common:

Antispasmodics

These medicines limit or reduce the movements of the intestine and stomach, which are responsible for bowel motions. They are therefore indicated for treating diarrhoea and colic, as they quickly reduce intestinal activity.

Anti-flatulents

These products absorb excess gas in the intestine or prevent it from building up, helping to avoid the typical pain and discomfort caused by bloating due to trapped wind. For this, you can use Aero-Red chewable tablets.

Intestinal anti-inflammatories

These medicines act on the intestinal walls, reducing inflammation as their name suggests. They are therefore suitable for treating pain caused by inflammatory bowel conditions, such as colitis or Crohn's disease.

Probiotics

Probiotics contain microorganisms that are beneficial for our gut and help regulate the gut flora once they enter our body. Normally, we already have all of them, but poor lifestyle habits, stress, a poor diet or some illnesses can negatively affect the gut microbiota, which will need support to recover sooner. One of the most recommended options is Bioralsuero probiotic.

Food supplements

Gavinatura, formulated with naturally derived ingredients such as Chamomile, Aloe Vera and Malva Sylvestris, is a supplement used to treat symptoms associated with heartburn, such as tummy ache, reflux or burning. Thanks to its triple action, it neutralises acid while helping to prevent irritation and protect the stomach.

What is more, it starts to work within minutes and can be taken by children over 6 years of age and pregnant women, provided it is recommended by a specialist.

Types of tummy ache

We usually refer to tummy ache as such, or as stomach pain, although in reality these words are used when there is discomfort in the abdominal area in general.

The abdomen contains a large number of important organs and structures, and it is important to learn to tell the difference between the discomfort caused by each of them in order to tackle the problem properly. There is no point, for example, in taking a stomach protector if what is actually happening is a build-up of gas in the intestine.

There are many ways to classify abdominal pain according to different criteria, but the simplest approach is usually to focus on the type of pain and its exact location in order to identify the source of the problem.

When the pain is clearly localised in just one area of the abdomen, the most common cause is an issue affecting a specific organ. Of these causes, the most usual is the appearance of stomach ulcers, which are open sores on the inner lining of the stomach.

If the pain is more like a cramp, it is more likely to be caused by intestinal problems. Normally, this means diarrhoea, constipation or gas problems, although in women cramps can also appear because of menstruation or pregnancy complications. These pains are usually the least worrying and the easiest to treat (except in the case of pregnancy complications), as they often go away on their own as intestinal activity returns to normal.

Spasmodic pain is usually a sign of something more serious, as it tends to be linked to kidney-related problems. These symptoms are identified by appearing without warning, in the form of a marked muscle spasm in the

When to see a doctor

In many cases, taking the right medicine will be enough for the symptoms to disappear. However, if you have any of these symptoms, see a specialist immediately:

• Blood in your stools or vomit
• High fever
• Nausea or vomiting for several days
• Yellowish skin or eyes
• Breathing difficulties

If you lose your appetite, feel a burning sensation when urinating or lose weight for no reason, or if the pain lasts more than 24 hours, make an appointment as well.

How to prevent tummy ache

As well as recognising the type of abdominal pain you have and what you can take to relieve the symptoms, there are some preventive measures you can take to help stop it from appearing.

• Heartburn is often caused by heavy digestion: choose your meals carefully and opt for a healthy diet without too much fat.
• An afternoon nap can often be responsible for heavy digestion and gas build-up. If you need to lie down, wait between half an hour and an hour after eating.
• Avoid tobacco, as it makes reflux noticeably worse.
• Do not eat dinner just before going to bed, and always keep it light: it should be the lightest meal of the day.
• Do not bend over by leaning your body forward if you suffer from reflux: bend your knees instead. This will also help protect your back.

Bibliography

• De Vivero, R. (2005). Recurrent abdominal pain. Colombia médica, 36(2), 39-41.
• Garcia, A., Sánchez, T., Camarero, C., & Turegano, F. (2011). Abdominal pain. Acute abdomen. Medicine, (10), 6069-77.