What to Do If You Have Stomach Pain: Causes, Relief & When to See a Doctor

Almost everyone in India has experieced stomach pain at some point. From enjoying too much spicy chaat to accidentally drinking unclean water, stomach pain can hit us in many ways. Sometimes it’s just a mild cramp that passes quickly. Other times it can get severe enough to stop you from working, sleeping, or even standing properly. And because stomach pain can come from so many causes – gas, indigestion, infections, or even serious issues like appendicitis – it’s important to know when you can treat it at home and when you need a doctor.

In this article, we’ll look at the common causes of stomach pain in India, home remedies, medical treatments, and prevention tips. Plus, we’ll answer real questions people search on Google like “How do you make stomach pain go away?” and “How can I settle my stomach in 5 minutes?”. Let’s dive in.

Understanding Stomach Pain

Stomach pain isn’t just one type of discomfort. It can feel different depending on the cause. Some people get a dull ache, others feel sharp stabbing cramps, and sometimes it’s a burning sensation after eating. The pain might stay in one spot, like the upper abdomen, or move around.

Common Symptoms of Stomach Pain

• Cramping or bloating after eating heavy or spicy food.

• Burning pain in the upper stomach, often linked to acidity.

• Nausea or vomiting.

• Constipation or diarrhea.

• Sudden sharp pain that doesn’t go away (this can be a warning sign).

Types of Stomach Pain

Doctors usually classify stomach pain into mild, moderate, and severe.

• Mild pain: Usually from overeating, gas, or minor indigestion.

• Moderate pain: Often linked with food poisoning, stomach infections, or ulcers.

• Severe pain: Can mean appendicitis, kidney stones, gallstones, or even bowel obstruction. These need urgent medical help.

When Stomach Pain is an Emergency

If you have sudden severe pain, constant vomiting, blood in stool or vomit, or unbearable cramps during pregnancy — it’s time to rush to a hospital. Waiting it out at home is not safe.

Common Causes of Stomach Pain in India

Life in India brings some very specific causes of stomach pain, thanks to our diet and environment.

Indigestion and Overeating

Big meals full of masala, fried food, and sweets can overload the stomach. Indigestion leads to heaviness, burping, and discomfort.

Gastric Issues and Acidity

This is one of the most common complaints in Indian households. Eating spicy curries late at night or skipping meals can cause acid reflux and that burning stomach pain.

Gas and Bloating

Gas is embarassing but very common. It happens when your digestive system struggles to break down food — especially lentils, beans, and carbonated drinks.

Food Poisoning and Contaminated Water

During summers and monsoons, cases of stomach pain from contaminated street food or water are very high. Symptoms often include vomiting, loose motions, and fever.

Infections Like Gastroenteritis

Viral or bacterial infections can inflame the stomach lining. This usually spreads through unwashed vegetables, poor hand hygiene, or eating at unhygienic places.

Ulcers and Acid Reflux

Persistent acidity can cause ulcers, which lead to chronic pain and burning in the stomach.

Gallstones, Kidney Stones, or Appendicitis

Unlike gas or acidity, these are serious. They cause sudden, unbearable abdominal pain and must be treated by doctors immediately.

What to Do If You Have Stomach Pain at Home

For most mild cases, you don’t need to panic. Simple remedies can bring relief within a few hours. Indian households are full of traditional fixes that have been passed down for generations — and many of them actually work.

Home Remedies for Stomach Pain Relief

• Drinking warm water
  One of the easiest and most effective ways. Warm water helps relax muscles in the stomach and aids digestion. Cold water, on the other hand, can sometimes worsen cramps.

• Herbal teas (ajwain, ginger, jeera)
  Ajwain water (carom seeds boiled in water) is a classic Indian solution for gas and bloating. Ginger tea reduces nausea and improves digestion. Jeera (cumin) water is great after a heavy meal.

• Applying a warm compress
  A hot water bag or heating pad placed on the stomach can soothe cramps, especially if the pain is caused by gas or menstrual cramps.

• Gentle yoga and breathing exercises
  Simple asanas like Pawanmuktasana (wind-relieving pose) can help release trapped gas. Deep breathing also relaxes abdominal muscles.

Diet Changes to Reduce Stomach Pain

• Avoiding spicy, oily, and junk food
  Yes, it’s tempting — but if you already have stomach pain, fried pakoras or roadside chaat will only make it worse.

• Eating small, frequent meals
  Large meals overload the digestive system. Smaller portions are easier to digest and prevent bloating.

• Hydration and ORS solutions
  Dehydration worsens stomach cramps. Drinking water, coconut water, or homemade ORS (salt, sugar, and water) is especially important if vomiting or diarrhea is present.

Medical Treatment for Stomach Pain

If home remedies don’t work, there are safe over-the-counter options available in India. Still, use them carefully and consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

Over-the-Counter Medicines in India

• Antacids for acidity
  Medicines like Gelusil or Digene provide quick relief from burning stomach pain caused by acidity.

• Digestive enzyme syrups
  After a heavy meal, enzyme syrups (like Aristozyme) can ease indigestion.

• Probiotics for gut health
  Sachets or tablets containing good bacteria help restore balance after infections or antibiotic use.

When to Consult a Doctor

Don’t ignore stomach pain if:

• The pain is severe or unbearable.

• You have persistent vomiting or diarrhea for more than a day.

• There’s blood in stool or vomit.

• The pain occurs during pregnancy.

• You notice sudden weight loss along with stomach issues.

Preventing Stomach Pain in Daily Life

While no one can avoid stomach pain forever, small lifestyle changes make a big difference.

• Healthy eating habits
  Eating home-cooked meals with the right balance of grains, dal, sabzi, and curd is best for long-term digestive health.

• Drinking clean, filtered water
  Many stomach infections in India are caused by contaminated water. Always carry your own bottle when traveling.

• Avoiding excessive spicy or junk food
  It’s okay to enjoy golgappas once in a while, but daily oily snacks harm the stomach.

• Managing stress and sleep
  Stress can actually increase acidity and lead to stomach cramps. Proper rest helps digestion too.

• Regular exercise and yoga
  Just 30 minutes of walking or light yoga every day keeps digestion smooth and prevents bloating.

Severe Stomach Pain – What You Should Never Ignore

Most stomach pain is harmless and goes away with rest or simple remedies. But sometimes, it’s a warning sign of something more serious. Knowing the difference can save your life.

Signs of Appendicitis

Appendicitis usually starts with pain near the belly button, then shifts to the lower right side of the stomach. The pain becomes sharper with movement, coughing, or sneezing. Fever, nausea, and loss of appetite are common. If untreated, the appendix can burst — a medical emergency.

Signs of Gallstones or Kidney Stones

• Gallstones cause sudden, severe pain in the upper right abdomen, often after fatty meals. The pain can spread to the back or shoulder.

• Kidney stones cause intense, stabbing pain in the side or lower back, moving towards the groin. You may also see blood in urine or feel like urinating again and again.

Ulcers and Long-Term Acidity

Chronic acidity can damage the stomach lining, leading to ulcers. Symptoms include burning pain, black stools, or vomiting blood. Many people ignore these signs thinking it’s “just gas,” but ulcers need medical care.

When Emergency Hospital Care is Needed

Rush to a hospital if:

• Pain is sudden and unbearable.

• You’re vomiting blood or passing black/tarry stools.

• You have chest pain along with stomach discomfort.

• Pain lasts more than 24 hours without relief.

FAQs About Stomach Pain

How do you make stomach pain go away?

For mild cases, drink warm water, rest, and try ajwain or ginger tea. For acidity, an antacid may help. But if pain is severe, don’t try to “wait it out.”

How can I settle my stomach in 5 minutes?

Try sipping warm water slowly, lying down with a hot water bag, or doing gentle breathing exercises. These may not cure the cause but can calm cramps quickly.

Why is my stomach hurting?

It could be gas, indigestion, infection, acidity, or something serious like appendicitis. The location, type, and duration of pain often indicate the reason.

How do I know if my stomach pain is gas?

Gas pain usually comes with bloating, burping, and relief after passing gas or going to the toilet. If the pain is sharp and constant, it’s more likely something else.

What to do if you have severe stomach pain?

First step — stop eating heavy food, drink only water. If the pain is unbearable or comes with vomiting/fever, see a doctor immediately.

Which doctor should I consult for stomach pain in India?

For basic issues, a general physician is enough. For chronic acidity or ulcers, see a gastroenterologist. If you suspect kidney or gallstones, a urologist or surgeon may be needed.

Final Word

Stomach pain is one of the most common health complaints in India, and most of the time it’s harmless. Still, you shouldn’t ignore it — especially if it’s severe, keeps coming back, or is linked with vomiting, fever, or blood. Home remedies, better food choices, and simple lifestyle changes can prevent most digestive problems. But when the pain feels wrong, trust your instincts and get medical help.

Remember: a small delay in serious conditions like appendicitis or stones can be dangerous. Take care of your stomach, eat mindfully, and stay hydrated. After all, “pet theek to sab theek” — if your stomach is healthy, life feels better too.