Abdominal pain – treatment

When should you see a doctor?

Not every stomach ache requires immediate medical attention, but there are a few warning signs you should be aware of:

Four warning signs of abdominal pain

• The abdominal pain persists or worsens and cannot be alleviated with the usual home remedies – this can indicate an acute inflammation of, for example, the appendix or gallbladder.
• The abdominal pain is accompanied by severe nausea, vomiting and fever. You feel weak, and the pain is accompanied by a circulatory reaction such as cold, sweaty skin, increased heartbeat or dizziness. These accompanying symptoms indicate a severe event, such as an acute abdomen, pancreatitis or an appendix rupture.
• You are not aware of any disease associated with abdominal pain. The pain keeps coming back. Has it clarified whether you may have developed a food intolerance, porphyria or bile sludge? Small bowel protuberances (diverticula) or intestinal tumours can cause abdominal pain.
• Also, pay attention to your stool behaviour – if your stool frequency or colour changes, you can be safe by visiting a doctor.

What can you do about stomach pain?

Abdominal pain is always a symptom and not a disease, i.e. in addition to pain-relieving measures; the cause should always be sought in the event of persistent or recurring symptoms. Sometimes a hot water bottle, stomach-soothing tea, a day of rusks, or no food helps; other people swear by exercise, plant enzymes easily digestible or particularly spicy food – try out what suits you.