What to do if drinking cold water on an empty stomach causes stomach pain

Oct 13, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Drinking iced water on an empty stomach may cause stomach pain. Diet should primarily consist of light and easily digestible foods, avoiding raw, cold, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods. A hot water bottle or warm towel can be used for heat application on the abdomen. Combining this with clockwise abdominal massage can promote blood circulation and enhance intestinal motility. If symptoms are severe, antispasmodic and analgesic medications can be used together with gastric mucosal protectants.

Stomach pain caused by drinking cold water on an empty stomach can generally be relieved through dietary adjustments, heat application and massage, or medication.

1. Dietary Adjustment

For stomach pain caused by drinking cold water on an empty stomach, the diet should primarily consist of light and easily digestible foods. Avoid raw, cold, greasy, and spicy or irritating foods. Warm porridges such as millet porridge, pumpkin porridge, and Chinese yam porridge are recommended. Avoid overeating and consuming irritating beverages such as coffee, alcohol, and strong tea, which may worsen stomach pain.

2. Heat Application and Massage

A hot water bottle, warm towel, or heating pad can be applied to the abdomen for heat therapy. At the same time, gently massaging the abdomen in a clockwise direction can promote blood circulation and enhance intestinal motility, thereby helping to relieve symptoms.

3. Medication

If symptoms are severe, antispasmodic and analgesic medications may be used under a doctor's guidance. Commonly used drugs include anisodamine and atropine. Additionally, gastric mucosal protectants such as sucralfate or aluminum magnesium carbonate may be used as adjunctive treatment.

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