stomach pain – Hello Doctor

5 Teas you can drink for an upset tummy

October 21st, 2019 by Content Editor

Ah. Nothing beats a soothing cup of tea after a long day. The herbs in teas have a calming effect and some can even help ease pain and nausea.

Choosing the right tea for your symptoms is important, though. These herbal teas could help.

If you have indigestion and nausea:

Ginger tea

If you’ve had too much to eat and are suffering from indigestion, sipping on ginger tea could help. Ginger is also known for decreasing symptoms of abdominal gas and motion sickness, including nausea, vomiting, headache and dizziness. It especially helps with nausea, but if your nausea is severe see your doctor immediately.

Brew it: Make ginger tea with freshly grated ginger and boiled water or ginger teabags.

If it is that time of the month:

Peppermint tea

Suffering from period cramps or nausea? Try refreshing peppermint tea. Peppermint works by soothing the stomach muscles and increasing bile (fluid that helps with digestion) flow. This helps your body digest fat with ease and your food to pass through the stomach faster. When your stomach muscles are relaxed, abdominal gas also moves out the body more quickly.

Brew it: Use fresh, crushed peppermint leaves, steeped in hot water for five minutes, or peppermint teabags.

If you’re constipated:

Fennel tea

Your first thought probably wouldn’t be tea when it comes to fennel, but it makes for a soothing drink. Fennel is a herb that comes from a plant called Foeniculum vulgare. It tastes like liquorice and can be eaten raw or uncooked. Studies have shown that fennel can help ease stomach ulcers and constipation.

Brew it: Make fennel tea by pouring a cup of boiled water over one teaspoon of fennel seeds. Steep for five to 10 minutes, sieve the seeds and enjoy. You can also use fennel teabags or freshly grated fennel root.

If you need to relieve gas:

Chamomile tea

Known for promoting relaxation, chamomile tea contains ingredients that eases pain too. Sipping on this tea soothes the intestinal wall which relieves gas and any discomfort. It could also help you to doze off at night and ease anxiety and stress. However, talk to your doctor before drinking chamomile tea as it may cause an allergic reaction such as a rash, throat swelling or cramps in some people.

Brew it: Place a handful of fresh chamomile flowers in an infuser. Steep them in a kettle or pot for five minutes. Remove the flowers and enjoy. You can also use chamomile teabags.

References:

What is Irritable Bowel syndrome?

October 27th, 2017 by The Hello Doctor Team

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that affects your large intestine (colon), causing abdominal discomfort. Despite these uncomfortable signs and symptoms, IBS doesn’t cause permanent damage to your colon.

Causes and Triggers of IBS

Triggers for IBS can range from gas or pressure on your intestines to certain foods, medications or emotions. Many people find their symptoms worsen when they eat certain foods. For instance, chocolate, milk and alcohol might cause constipation or diarrhoea. Likewise, fizzy drinks and certain fruit and vegetables can also lead to bloating and discomfort in some people who have IBS.

Most people with IBS find that their symptoms are worse or more frequent during stressful events, such as a change in their daily routine. However, while stress may aggravate symptoms, it doesn’t cause them.

Symptoms of IBS

The signs and symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can vary widely from person to person, and often resemble those of other diseases. The most common symptoms include:

Feeling bloated
Abdominal pain or cramping
Gas (flatulence)
Mucus in the stool
Diarrhoea or constipation — sometimes even alternating bouts of constipation and diarrhoea

Many people only have mild symptoms, but because these can occur alongside other more serious diseases, it’s best to discuss any symptoms with your doctor.

Diagnosis of IBS

Diagnosis of IBS requires a complete medical history and physical examination, often to rule out other possible causes. Abdominal pain, together with discomfort lasting more than 12 months, are the most important symptoms. After this, changes in the frequency or consistency of your stool, straining, urgency or a feeling that you can’t empty your bowels completely, mucus in your stool, bloating or abdominal distension are all considered.

Your doctor will assess how you fit these criteria, as well as whether you have any other signs or symptoms that might suggest another, more-serious condition. Red flag signs and symptoms include:

New onset after the age of 50
Rectal bleeding
Weight loss
Fever
Nausea or recurrent vomiting
Abdominal pain
Diarrhoea that is persistent or awakens you from sleep

Treatment of IBS

Because it’s not clear what causes irritable bowel syndrome, treatment focuses on the relief of symptoms. In most cases, you can successfully control mild symptoms of IBS by avoiding trigger foods, learning to manage stress, and making changes to your lifestyle.

Your doctor may also suggest taking certain supplements or prescription medications, depending on your symptoms and how severe they are. If you have more questions, why not ask one of our doctors? They’re available 24/7, 365 days a year!

What could be causing your groin pain?

January 18th, 2016 by The Hello Doctor Team

You’ve been out and about on the beach, moving more than usual this holiday, and now you have a niggling pain in your groin. From muscles to bones to joints – what could be the cause? Let’s take a closer look:

What area is referred to as “the groin”?

the groin areas are located in the skin fold areas, on either side of the body, where the abdomen/belly meets the top of the legs/thighs.
the pubic area is located between the groin areas

What are some of the possible causes of groin pain?

In many cases, an overuse strain or an injury can cause groin pain. However, it’s especially important to consider a variety of other possible causes, particularly if there hasn’t been an injury.

Different types of groin injuries:

1) An acute injury – such as a fall, direct blow, stab wound, or the leg being turned in an abnormal position.

2) A strained/pulled or torn groin muscle – this can occur when lifting or pushing/pulling heavy objects, or during sport or exercise.

3) An over-use injury – repeating the same activity day after day, or overdoing a particular activity (resulting in bursitis, tendonitis, a stress fracture or avulsion fracture etc.).

Hip-and back-related conditions:

1) Hip conditions (often more common in children and the elderly)

arthritis
infection of hip joint (septic arthritis)
fractures
avascular necrosis
Perthe’s disease
slipped femoral epiphysis
congenital dislocation of the hip
juvenile idiopathic arthritis
synovitis (when the lining of the hip joint space becomes inflamed/swollen)

2) Back conditions – such as a herniated disc or lumbar stenosis.

Other medical conditions:

1) Hernias – inguinal or femoral hernia (where bowel or soft tissue bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal wall).

2) Kidney stone – a stone passing from the kidney via the ureter to the bladder can cause pain in the groin area; a bladder infection.

3) Infections – can cause lymph glands in the groin to enlarge and become painful or tender (i.e. mumps, infection of skin of leg or foot).

4) Skin conditions- such as yeast or ringworm infections.

5) Male genital conditions – torsion of the testicle, orchitis, prostate infection, epididymitis, cancer (testis, penis, prostate), hydrocoele, varicocoele, spermatocoele.

6) Female pelvic and genital conditions – endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease/infections, ovarian cyst, ectopic pregnancy, cancer.

7) Colon/intestinal conditions – inflammation, infection, cancer, spasm, ischaemia/decreased blood flow.

8) Abdominal aortic aneurysm.

When should you see your doctor about groin pain?

if you have severe and/or sudden pain the groin.
if your groin pain is not improving, or if it is more frequent.
if you have a hernia that does not reduce with gentle pressure when lying down.
if you have difficulty or pain walking, or a limp.
if you have had unexplained weight loss.
if you have had night sweats or a fever.
if you have noticed a lump or swelling in your genital area (i.e. in the testicle).
if you have nausea and vomiting.
if you have tummy pain, constipation or cannot pass wind/flatulence.
if there is swelling in the area, redness, warmth, pus or tenderness.
if you have difficulty urinating, have lower backache or have noticed blood in your urine

Why do I have stomach pain?

March 23rd, 2015 by The Hello Doctor Team

Not again! Where is this pain in my stomach coming from? Do stomach cramps hit you when you least expect them? There are some obvious causes for stomach cramps, like the tummy bug or food poisoning, but what about unexpected causes? Here are 5 reasons that might be behind your mysterious pain. Continue reading “Why do I have stomach pain?”