Drink small sips of water or an oral rehydration solution
Try clear liquids (broth, tea, electrolyte drinks) for a few hours
Use a heating pad or warm compress on the abdomen
Rest and avoid strenuous activity
Eat bland foods if hungry (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, crackers)
Avoid spicy, fatty, fried, or high-fiber foods temporarily
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Avoid large meals; eat smaller portions
Consider an antacid for indigestion/heartburn (follow label directions)
Consider simethicone for gas/bloating (follow label directions)
Consider bismuth subsalicylate for nausea/diarrhea if appropriate (follow label directions)
Consider an antispasmodic only if you’ve used it before and it’s appropriate for your symptoms (follow label directions)
If constipation is suspected, increase fluids and consider gentle options like fiber gradually or an osmotic laxative (follow label directions)
If diarrhea is present, focus on hydration and consider an oral rehydration solution
Seek urgent care or emergency help for severe or worsening pain, rigid belly, or pain lasting more than 24 hours
Seek urgent care if pain is with fever, persistent vomiting, blood in stool or vomit, black/tarry stools, or inability to keep fluids down
Seek urgent care if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, or severe weakness
Seek urgent care if you are pregnant, have a history of ulcers/IBD, or have had abdominal surgery and develop new severe pain
Contact a clinician promptly if pain is recurrent, localized (especially right lower or upper abdomen), or associated with unexplained weight loss or ongoing diarrhea