How To Get Rid Of Stomach Ache: Evidence‑Based Relief Tips

Stomach aches are common and usually short‑lived, but they can sometimes signal a more serious problem. This guide explains how to get rid of stomach ache using methods supported by reputable health sources, and when you should seek urgent medical help.

Common Causes of Stomach Ache

Understanding what might be causing the pain helps you choose the right remedy.

According to the UK NHS, typical causes of stomach pain include indigestion, trapped wind, constipation, stomach bugs (gastroenteritis), period pain, and food poisoning, among others (NHS, “Stomach ache and abdominal pain”). The U.S. Mayo Clinic similarly lists causes such as gas, gastroenteritis, acid reflux, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and ulcers (Mayo Clinic – “Abdominal pain”).

Common short‑term causes:

Overeating or eating too quickly
Spicy, fatty, or very rich foods
Gas and bloating
Mild food intolerance
Viral or bacterial stomach infections (stomach “flu”)
Menstrual cramps

If your pain is sudden, severe, or accompanied by worrying symptoms (see below), seek medical advice promptly.

Immediate Self‑Care: First Steps at Home

1. Rest and Gentle Movement

For mild stomach ache, the NHS advises resting and trying to relax. Light movement, such as walking, can sometimes help trapped wind pass and reduce bloating (NHS – Stomach ache).

Try:

Lying or sitting in a comfortable position
Avoiding strenuous exercise until pain eases
Short, gentle walks if gas or bloating seems likely

2. Use Heat for Cramping Pain

Applying gentle heat can help relieve cramp‑like pain from period cramps or some types of digestive discomfort. The NHS notes that a hot water bottle or heat pack on the stomach may help in some cases of abdominal pain (NHS – Stomach ache).

How to use safely:

Wrap a hot water bottle or heat pack in a cloth
Apply to the abdomen for up to 15–20 minutes at a time
Avoid sleeping with a hot water bottle directly on your skin to prevent burns

Food, Drink, and Hydration

3. Sip Fluids Regularly

Good hydration is important, particularly if you have vomiting or diarrhoea. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends frequent small sips of fluids to prevent dehydration during gastroenteritis episodes (CDC – Viral Gastroenteritis).

Helpful approaches:

Take small, frequent sips of water
Oral rehydration solutions (especially if you have diarrhoea or vomiting)
Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine, which can irritate the gut

4. Eat Lightly (or Pause Eating Briefly)

For mild stomach upset:

Eat small, simple meals and avoid large, heavy meals
Choose bland foods if you feel hungry (for example, plain toast, rice, bananas)
Avoid very fatty, spicy, or fried foods that can worsen indigestion or reflux (Mayo Clinic – Indigestion)

If you feel very nauseated, briefly stopping solid foods and focusing on fluids (unless a doctor has advised otherwise) can be helpful; gradually reintroduce bland foods as you improve.

5. Avoid Triggers That Commonly Worsen Pain

Depending on the suspected cause, temporarily avoiding certain items can reduce symptoms:

For indigestion or acid reflux: avoid large meals, late‑night eating, chocolate, peppermint, caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods, which can aggravate symptoms (Mayo Clinic – GERD).
For gas and bloating: some people benefit from limiting gas‑producing foods like beans, onions, and carbonated drinks.

If you suspect a food intolerance (e.g., lactose) is causing recurring pain, consult a healthcare professional before making major dietary restrictions.

Over‑the‑Counter Options to Relieve Stomach Ache

Always follow the instructions on the package and consider checking with a pharmacist or doctor, especially if you have other medical conditions or take regular medicines.

6. For Indigestion and Acid‑Type Pain

Mayo Clinic notes that indigestion can cause upper abdominal discomfort, burning, or bloating and that treatment may include antacids or acid‑reducing medications in some cases (Mayo Clinic – Indigestion).

Common over‑the‑counter options include:

Antacids (e.g., containing calcium carbonate or magnesium compounds) to neutralise stomach acid
H2 blockers (e.g., famotidine) or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in short courses, for frequent heartburn/acid reflux, if advised on the label or by a clinician

Seek medical advice before long‑term use of acid‑suppressing medication.

7. For Gas and Bloating

Simethicone‑containing products are commonly used to relieve gas. While evidence is mixed, many clinical guidelines consider them reasonable for short‑term use for bloating and discomfort; speak to a pharmacist for product‑specific advice.

Other measures include eating slowly, avoiding gulping air (e.g., through chewing gum or drinking fizzy drinks), and gentle walking.

8. For Constipation‑Related Pain

If your stomach ache is linked to infrequent or hard stools, changing diet and possibly using short‑term laxatives can help.

The NHS recommends, for constipation (NHS – Constipation):

Increasing fluid intake
Eating more fibre‑rich foods gradually (fruits, vegetables, whole grains)
Staying active

If these measures fail, a pharmacist may recommend an appropriate over‑the‑counter laxative based on your symptoms and health status.

Natural and Lifestyle Measures

While evidence for herbal or “natural” remedies varies, some lifestyle approaches have support from clinical sources for functional digestive discomfort.

9. Gentle Exercise and Stress Reduction

Functional abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can be worsened by stress. Mayo Clinic notes that physical activity and stress‑management techniques, including relaxation training, can help symptoms in IBS (Mayo Clinic – IBS).

Helpful approaches:

Regular moderate exercise (walking, cycling) when well enough
Relaxation breathing, mindfulness, or other stress‑reduction techniques
Sufficient sleep and regular meal patterns

When a Stomach Ache Is an Emergency

Some stomach aches require urgent medical attention. The NHS advises calling emergency services or going to A&E (ER) if you have stomach pain and any of the following (NHS – Stomach ache):

Sudden, severe pain that gets worse quickly
Pain with a rigid, hard, or tender belly
Pain plus chest pain, jaw or arm pain, or difficulty breathing
Vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
You cannot pass gas or have a bowel movement and your abdomen is very swollen
You are pregnant and have severe abdominal pain
High fever with severe pain

You should also seek urgent medical help (same day) if:

The pain is severe and not improving
You have persistent vomiting
You have unexplained weight loss, persistent change in bowel habits, or difficulty swallowing (Mayo Clinic – Abdominal pain)

How To Get Rid Of Stomach Ache Safely: Summary

To manage a mild, short‑term stomach ache at home:

Rest and use gentle movement as tolerated.
Apply a covered hot water bottle or heat pack for cramp‑type pain.
Sip fluids regularly; consider oral rehydration if you have diarrhoea or vomiting.
Eat bland, small meals and avoid heavy, fatty, or very spicy foods.
Avoid known triggers like overeating, excess alcohol, or late heavy meals.
Use over‑the‑counter remedies (antacids, gas relief, mild laxatives) cautiously and as directed.
Address stress and consider regular exercise once you feel better.

Always seek medical advice if your pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by warning signs such as fever, vomiting blood, or bloody/black stools. These can be signs of more serious conditions that require prompt evaluation.

How To Get Rid Of Stomach Ache