Is there a home remedy for severe upper abdominal pain?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have severe pain in my upper abdomen due to acid reflux and I am unable to sleep. After eating, I have sudden pain in my upper abdomen or more specifically in my epigastric region. Even though I do not have any problems in digesting milk or dairy products, I developed lactose intolerance after drinking sterilized milk last week.

Initially, I thought it was a common digestive problem and so I took Loperamide. After a few minutes, I developed some symptoms of heartburn and so I took Kremil (Aluminium hydroxide, Magnesium hydroxide, and Simeticone).

Is there a home remedy to lessen my pain?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It is helpful to the doctor to give you a diagnosis if you provide a detailed history regarding your initial starting of symptoms, duration of your symptoms, location, and severity.

Please mention whether you have any other symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
Please mention whether you smoke or drink. Please mention whether you have any other medical problems.

There are many reasons to have upper abdominal pain. Gastritis or ulcer causes severe pain and sometimes there is bleeding in the upper abdomen.

You can have dark stools, dizziness due to loss of blood, and soreness in your belly. It is good to stop taking any pain medicines like Aspirin or Ibuprofen that irritates the stomach. '

You can take Omeprazole 20 mg before 30 minutes of taking breakfast every day for two weeks. Some people use half a tablespoon of baking soda in 120 ml of warm water to have some relief.

Another cause can be acid reflux. It is similar to gastritis but it causes heartburn as acid goes up into the esophagus in the chest. It responds well to Omeprazole.

Abdominal pain can also occur due to stress and it can irritate the large intestine. You can take Loperamide 4 mg four times a day while having pain. Stomach and intestinal infection can also cause pain. It is usually accompanied by diarrhea and fever. Mostly stomach infections respond well to Loperamide and increase your fluid intake.

Gallbladder disease can cause pain after meals. It is best diagnosed by taking an ultrasound and consulting a surgeon.

Pancreatitis occurs due to inflammation of the pancreas which is often caused due to excessive drinking of alcohol. There are severe pain and vomiting. It gets better after stopping alcohol drinking and avoiding eating for two days. Often it needs medical attention.

Lastly, COVID-19 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. The virus causing the pandemic can also cause diarrhea, fever, and cough. You need medical attention immediately while having this condition.

I hope it helps.

Thank you.