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What are the Different Kinds of Treatment for Upset Stomach?

B. Miller
B. Miller

There are a few different kinds of treatment for upset stomach that depend primarily on the cause of the upset stomach. In most cases, treatment for upset stomach can be given at home; it will only be necessary to go to the hospital for treatment if one is becoming dehydrated due to fluid loss and cannot keep clear liquids down. Some people find that sipping on flat soda can be a great treatment for nausea, while others prefer to take ginger pills or simply eat plain, bland foods like toast or white rice.

The most common treatment for upset stomach is to simply avoid putting anything else in the stomach that could cause irritation, and wait for the symptoms to pass. An upset stomach will typically not last longer than a day or two, and if it does, it may be a good idea to visit a doctor. Ginger is one of the most common treatments for an upset stomach, and may be taken in the form of ginger pills, sipping ginger ale, or even chewing on slices of raw ginger. This can help to settle the stomach and prevent nausea. Mint products, such as mint tea, can also be a great treatment for upset stomach.

Antacids can be used to treat an upset stomach.
Antacids can be used to treat an upset stomach.

Some people also find that sipping on cola sodas will sometimes work as a treatment for upset stomach. If an upset stomach is caused by prescription medication, it may be best to ask a doctor for recommendations; the doctor may be able to change the prescription to something else, or offer a suggestion for treating the upset stomach. Antibiotics frequently cause an upset stomach, but this can often be prevented by taking the antibiotics with food, as well as supplementing the diet with probiotics. These are found in yogurt and may also be taken in pill form, such as acidophilus pills, and help to keep the balance of healthy bacteria in the body.

If stomach pain lasts a few days, it may be best to see a doctor.
If stomach pain lasts a few days, it may be best to see a doctor.

Antacid products sold over the counter can be a good way to alleviate heartburn, which can sometimes work as a treatment for upset stomach as well. In many cases, it is best to simply get some rest, stay hydrated by sipping on juice or sports drinks that contain electrolytes, and eat bland foods when it becomes possible again. Toast or plain crackers can be a good choice to start with, and if the stomach feels better, then more complex foods may be slowly added back into the diet.

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    • Antacids can be used to treat an upset stomach.
      By: Blue Lemon Photo
      Antacids can be used to treat an upset stomach.
    • If stomach pain lasts a few days, it may be best to see a doctor.
      By: PictureP.
      If stomach pain lasts a few days, it may be best to see a doctor.
    • Ginger is recommended to treat an upset stomach.
      By: keko64
      Ginger is recommended to treat an upset stomach.
    • Sipping cola is said to help some people deal with an upset stomach.
      By: RTimages
      Sipping cola is said to help some people deal with an upset stomach.
    • Peppermint and chamomile teas can sooth upset stomachs.
      By: unpict
      Peppermint and chamomile teas can sooth upset stomachs.
    • Acidophilus is helpful for upset stomachs because it aids in digestion.
      By: womue
      Acidophilus is helpful for upset stomachs because it aids in digestion.
    • An upset stomach can be painful, but there are many remedies that can help ease the discomfort.
      By: Brian Jackson
      An upset stomach can be painful, but there are many remedies that can help ease the discomfort.
    • Eating cooked rice is recommended for those suffering with upset stomachs.
      By: womue
      Eating cooked rice is recommended for those suffering with upset stomachs.
    • Some herbs and other supplements have anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate stomach pain.
      By: Alliance
      Some herbs and other supplements have anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate stomach pain.
    • The probiotics in yogurt can treat an upset stomach that's caused by antibiotics.
      By: Anton Maltsev
      The probiotics in yogurt can treat an upset stomach that's caused by antibiotics.