remedy for loose motion and stomach pain - #13550
I am feeling super anxious because for the last few days, I’ve been dealing with really bad stomach pain and loose motion. Like, it started suddenly after I ate some street food that I probably shouldn’t have. The next day, I was running to the bathroom every few minutes and my stomach felt like it was in knots. I couldn't even make it to work! I tried drinking lots of water, but the loose motion just won’t quit, and the stomach pain is driving me crazy. I even tried some of those over-the-counter meds people recommend, but they don't seem to work!!! I wonder if anyone has found a good remedy for loose motion and stomach pain that actually helps? Should I be taking something specific, or would something natural be better? My mother used to make this ginger tea when I was little, but not sure if that’s actually effective or just a myth. What do you guys think? I mean, it feels like it's getting worse and I'm starting to panic a bit here. Any advice or suggestions for a safe remedy for loose motion and stomach pain would be super appreciated! I just want to have a normal day without worrying about it 😩. Anyone been through this? What helped you??
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Doctors’ responses
When dealing with stomach pain and loose motion, especially after eating street food, the issue could be due to a mild gastrointestinal infection, like food poisoning or another bug. First and foremost, hydration is critical, since dehydration is a significant risk when you have diarrhea. It’s good that you’re drinking water, but you should also consider oral rehydration solutions which replace lost electrolytes. You mentioned you’d tried over-the-counter meds without relief, so it’s important to note that sometimes loperamide (Imodium) can help reduce the frequency of diarrhea. However, it shouldn’t be used if you have bloody diarrhea or a high fever, as it could worsen certain infections. Ginger tea, as your mother used to make, can be beneficial. Ginger has natural anti-inflammatory and anti-nausea properties and may help soothe stomach pain. To make it, steep fresh ginger slices in hot water. It’s worth trying if you find it helpful. While this approach can be supportive, monitoring for any red-flag symptoms is essential—if you experience persistent high fever, bloody stools, or significant weakness, you’d need to see a doctor promptly to rule out any serious infections or conditions. These could require specific treatments, like antibiotics for bacterial infections. In general, avoid greasy, spicy foods that may irritate your stomach further, and focus on bland, easily digestible foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (often referred to as the BRAT diet). This can help calm the digestive tract as it heals. If symptoms persist for more than a few days without improvement or you’re feeling worse, don’t delay in seeking medical evaluation. Keep an eye on your symptoms, and if it’s not improving or gets more severe, a healthcare professional’s evaluation would be wise.
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