What can you do for stomach ache and constipation?
For abdominal pain and constipation, the first measure is to drink enough. Those who frequently suffer from constipation should drink at least 2 litres of water or tea a day. If constipation occurs again and the abdominal pain is still bearable, you can first try to get the constipation under control with flea seed or linseed soaked in water.
If this does not help, or if the symptoms are so severe that they are no longer bearable, a doctor should be consulted. He or she can prescribe laxatives that will relieve the acute constipation in the short term. An enema can also relieve the situation.
This method is mainly used for children. Patients in whom constipation and abdominal pain is a frequent, recurring problem should first undergo a permanent change of diet, which contains a lot of fibre. In addition, lactulose or Macrogol can be taken after consulting the doctor in order to draw more water into the intestine and soften the stool. However, flatulence is more common when taking these substances.
Home remedy for treating abdominal pain and constipation
For constipation associated with abdominal pain, there are many home remedies that can be taken as food or drink to help regulate digestion. Warm water gets the bowel going and a glass in the morning can be beneficial for digestion. Overall, it is important to drink plenty of water so that the stool is not unnecessarily thickened.
A small glass of prune juice on an empty stomach also stimulates digestion, as do dried plums soaked overnight. Here you should start with a small amount to try out, so that the intestine does not overreact. Other dried fruits such as figs or apricots also have this effect.
A diet rich in fibre also has a positive effect on digestion. A lot of raw vegetables, salad and fruit should be eaten. Soaked linseed, psyllium or chia seeds also have this effect and lead to more water being drawn into the intestine and softening the stool. In addition, warmth in the form of a hot-water bottle or a grain pillow on the stomach has a supportive effect and is felt as pleasant, especially in the case of accompanying stomach aches.
Problems during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the diagnosis of abdominal discomfort is significantly more difficult. Due to the position of the uterus including the baby, existing pain cannot be localized well and means an enormous psychological burden for the expectant mother. Abdominal pain during pregnancy usually has an alarming effect on patients.
However, constipation is common in pregnant women and should therefore always be considered. Due to the woman’s altered hormonal status, the intestinal movements are reduced. The hormone progesterone, which is released into the blood in increased quantities, actually serves to relax the muscles in the uterus, but it also has an effect on the intestines.
As the child grows, the intestine is also displaced and can possibly be prevented from transporting the bowel movements smoothly. In addition to natural causes, various pregnancy-related diseases can cause constipation with abdominal pain, among other things. If, for example, hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, develops, the body can no longer manage its energy balance properly due to the lack of thyroid hormones.
The patient becomes flabby, tired and the overall activity slumps down – as does the movement of the intestines. The result can be constipation. Constipation can also occur with high blood pressure (hypertension), which is frequently observed during pregnancy.
Many pregnant women suffer from iron deficiency and therefore take supplementary high iron supplements. Although this intake is important to prevent iron deficiency anaemia, it can also lead to constipation. The high iron content irritates the intestinal wall and can cause corresponding effects.
