How to Get Rid of a Stomach Ache Fast

For mild stomach aches, an antacid for occasional heartburn, small sips of water, and a warm compress may provide relief, depending on the cause.

There is no single fast remedy for every stomach ache. Pain can come from indigestion, a stomach bug, constipation or a condition that needs medical attention, so choose a remedy that fits your symptoms rather than trying to cover up severe pain.

These measures are for mild discomfort when you otherwise feel reasonably well. Sudden or severe pain, blood in vomit or stool, fainting, or pain with chest symptoms needs urgent medical attention, not home treatment.

5 home remedies for mild stomach aches

The following remedies are ordered by how directly they address a symptom: antacids have an established role in acid-related indigestion, while the other measures mainly support hydration or comfort. For more options, see the best drinks for stomach aches.

Evidence does not support one home remedy for all stomach aches. For example, a 2020 study of a plant extract in rats did not test these remedies or establish a treatment for stomach aches in people.

1. Try an antacid for occasional heartburn

An over-the-counter antacid neutralizes stomach acid. It can work quickly for occasional heartburn or acid-related indigestion, such as a burning feeling after a meal, but it will not address every cause of stomach aches.

If those symptoms sound familiar and the product is suitable for you, follow the package directions. Do not take more than the label recommends or keep using an antacid to mask persistent or worsening pain.

Antacids have an established role in relieving occasional acid-related symptoms; that evidence should not be applied to unexplained abdominal pain generally. Ask a pharmacist or clinician before use if you have kidney disease, are pregnant, or take other medicines: antacids can affect the absorption of some medicines. Check with a clinician before giving one to a child.

2. Take small sips of water

Water helps replace fluid, particularly if you have been vomiting or have diarrhea. Hydration may help you feel better if fluid loss is contributing to how unwell you feel, although water does not directly treat the underlying cause of stomach aches.

Try small, frequent sips rather than a large drink at once, especially if you feel nauseated. If you have diarrhea or vomiting, an oral rehydration solution prepared according to its package directions can help replace both fluid and salts.

The role of fluids in preventing dehydration is well established, but there is limited evidence that plain water itself rapidly relieves stomach pain. If you cannot keep fluids down, are urinating much less than usual, feel faint or have a very dry mouth, contact a clinician promptly; severe weakness or fainting needs urgent care.

3. Place a warm compress on your abdomen

Gentle warmth may help you relax and make mild cramping feel more comfortable. It is a comfort measure, not a way to determine or treat the cause of stomach aches.

Use a comfortably warm, not hot, compress or a covered heating pad over your clothing for a short period. Check your skin, stop if it becomes uncomfortable, and do not fall asleep with a heating pad on. Avoid direct heat if you have reduced skin sensation or cannot check the area yourself.

Evidence for warmth as a general treatment for stomach aches is limited. Do not use it to wait out pain that is severe, increasing or accompanied by concerning symptoms.

4. Eat a small, gentle meal if you feel hungry

A large or rich meal can worsen discomfort for some people, particularly when indigestion is involved. Eating a smaller amount may be easier to tolerate, though it will not necessarily stop the pain.

If you feel ready to eat, try a small portion of a plain food you normally tolerate, such as toast or rice. Eat slowly and stop if the food makes you feel worse. You do not need to force food when you are nauseated; focus on tolerable fluids instead.

There is limited evidence that a particular plain food provides fast relief for stomach aches. Avoid foods that reliably make your symptoms worse, such as fatty or spicy meals, and seek advice if you cannot eat or drink because of ongoing symptoms.

5. Move gently if you feel up to it

A short, gentle walk may help you feel more comfortable if your stomach ache comes with a feeling of fullness or gas. Changing position and moving can be preferable to lying flat when discomfort resembles heartburn.

Walk at an easy pace only if the pain is mild and movement feels comfortable. Stop if you feel dizzy or the pain gets worse; rest in a comfortable position instead.

Evidence that walking quickly relieves stomach aches is limited, and it is not a treatment for an underlying illness. Avoid exercise and get medical advice if pain is increasing, focused in one area or making it difficult to move normally.

When should you see a doctor for a stomach ache?

Seek emergency care now for sudden or severe abdominal pain, a hard or very tender abdomen, fainting, or stomach pain with chest pain or trouble breathing. Vomiting blood, blood in the stool or black, tarry stool also warrants emergency assessment.

Seek prompt medical advice if pain is worsening, is concentrated in one area, or occurs with fever, repeated vomiting or signs of dehydration. Contact a clinician promptly for abdominal pain during pregnancy or when pregnancy is possible. A swollen abdomen with an inability to pass stool or gas also needs urgent assessment.

If a mild stomach ache is not improving within 24 hours, comes back repeatedly or is interfering with eating and drinking, contact a clinician rather than relying on home remedies. Children and older adults may need assessment sooner, especially if they are vomiting, seem unusually sleepy or are drinking poorly.

If you have a medical condition or take regular medicines, ask a clinician or pharmacist which remedies are safe for you. Ibuprofen and similar pain relievers can irritate the stomach and may not be a good choice for an unexplained stomach ache; do not stop a prescribed medicine without medical advice.