Medicine for Stomach Cramps & Gas

Medicine for stomach cramps and gas

Everyone experiences stomach cramps and gas pain at some point. The uncomfortable feeling isn't typically serious, but it can be troublesome and embarrassing. Stomach pain medications may provide relief.

Causes

According to the Mayo Clinic, most gas pain results from bacteria breaking down undigested carbohydrates in your small intestine. Stomach cramps have many causes, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, including stomach viruses, irritable bowel syndrome, food allergies, bowel obstruction, appendicitis, kidney stones and more.

Types

Over-the-counter stomach pain medications include pills or tablets with lactase, like Lactaid, to help digest lactose; products with simethicone, like Mylanta, that break up gas bubbles; Beano, which aids digestion of vegetables and beans; and charcoal tablets. If your stomach cramps or gas pain are accompanied with diarrhea or constipation, antidiarrheals or laxatives may be appropriate.

Prevention

Forget stomach pain medication--prevent gas pain and stomach cramps before they start by modifying your diet. The Mayo Clinic suggests avoiding or limiting foods that cause excess gas and that are fried or high in fat. The Mayo Clinic also suggests limiting your lactose intake and temporarily reducing the amount of high-fiber foods in your diet.

Considerations

While stomach cramps and gas pain aren't typically indicative of a serious condition, see a doctor if you suffer from them frequently. Only your doctor can rule out or treat illnesses like colon cancer, kidney stones, or ulcers; taking stomach pain medications instead of being properly diagnosed can lead to problems in the long term.

Warning

Stomach cramps in connection with bloody stool, vomiting blood, extreme constipation, difficulty breathing, pain near your shoulder blades, or a stomach that is hard or tender are signs that you should seek help immediately. The U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health recommend visiting a doctor if you have diarrhea for five days or more, a burning sensation during urination, bloating for longer than two days, or stomach cramps or discomfort that lasts more than 48 hours.

References

• Medline Plus: Abdominal Pain
• The Mayo Clinic: Gas Pain

Resources

• The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse