What to Do When You Have Stomach Problems
Here’s the thing: everyone is going to experience stomach problems at some point in their life. People are often embarrassed to talk about it, but the truth is that you’re not alone in your struggles. Sure, some people may experience stomach problems more frequently due to certain foods, medication, or health issues, but even if you are relatively healthy, something may trigger your stomach and you’ll end up with an upset stomach. So, what do you do next? The words “stomach problems” can mean many different things, so there’s a lot of conflicting information out there on what to do. We’re here to break it down for you.
Determine what the problem is
As mentioned, there are many health problems that could fall under the term “stomach problems”. You may be experiencing something like heartburn, which doesn’t necessarily take place only in your stomach. If that’s the case, you can use these tips to ease your discomfort. However, you may also be experiencing cramps, diarrhea, or constipation. Once you’ve determined what your problem is, try to figure out what caused it. Was it something you ate? Are you stressed? Are you on a new type of medication? That will help narrow things down a bit for the next steps.
Get medication
Most of the time, common stomach problems can be solved quickly and easily with over-the-counter medication, or medication that you can buy without a doctor’s prescription. These often provide quick results, such as immediate constipation relief. Be sure to use the medication as advised. Even if you do have medication, you should still take it easy. Eat plain food, as anything rich and spicy might upset your stomach. Also try to stay home in case what you have is contagious.
See a doctor
If normal medication isn’t working, and your problems are getting worse, you should see a doctor. Usually, stomach problems aren’t a serious issue, but they can be a sign of some serious underlying problem, so it’s a good idea to get a doctor’s opinion. It may also be the case that you don’t have something serious, but you need to use antibiotics, which only a doctor can prescribe for you. While you’re there, be sure to get a doctor’s note, especially if you have been off of work for a while. You can learn more about taking a sick day here.
Rest
In the end, when it comes to most common illnesses, rest is the best way to get back to normal. It’s no use trying to power through and keep doing things as normal, as you’ll likely only make yourself sicker and end up needing even more time off. If your body is sick, it needs rest so that it can become strong again. You’ll likely feel more tired than usual, which is normal. Sleep as much as you need to, and while you’re awake, don’t push yourself too hard. Trust us, one day of resting will already make a huge difference.
