What should I do if my stomach hurts due to catching a chill at night?
Feb 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xuemei
Introduction
Abdominal pain usually refers to stomachache. The treatment for nighttime abdominal pain depends on its underlying cause, which may commonly include menstrual cramps, indigestion, acute gastroenteritis, cholecystitis, kidney stones, etc. When experiencing abdominal pain at night, avoid high-fat foods, raw or cold foods, and overeating. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and choose an appropriate treatment after a clear diagnosis has been made.
Abdominal pain usually refers to stomachache. The treatment for nighttime abdominal pain depends on its underlying cause, which may commonly include dysmenorrhea, indigestion, acute gastroenteritis, cholecystitis, kidney stones, and others.
1. Dysmenorrhea
During menstruation, the shedding of the uterine lining releases inflammatory mediators that stimulate uterine contractions, causing significant abdominal pain along with symptoms such as pallor and nausea. It is recommended to drink warm water, get adequate rest, apply a warm towel to the abdomen for heat therapy, and combine this with clockwise or counterclockwise abdominal massage to help relieve pain and other discomforts.
2. Indigestion
When food is not fully digested in the stomach, it may remain longer than usual, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and acid reflux. It is advisable to take medications such as Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets, Bacillus subtilis bivalent live bacterial enteric-coated capsules, or Bifidobacterium live bacterial capsules under medical guidance to promote gastrointestinal motility and improve symptoms.
3. Acute Gastroenteritis
When the intestines are infected by pathogens, an acute inflammatory response occurs. Inflammatory mediators may stimulate intestinal smooth muscle contractions, resulting in obvious abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and other symptoms. It is recommended to take medications such as levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, amoxicillin capsules, or cefixime tablets under medical supervision to control inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
4. Cholecystitis
After the gallbladder becomes inflamed due to infection, the inflammation may irritate surrounding nerves and tissues, causing abdominal pain, increased heart rate, and other symptoms. It is recommended to take anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting medications such as Xiaoyan Lidan Pian (anti-inflammatory and gallbladder pills), cefuroxime axetil tablets, or amoxicillin capsules under medical guidance to control inflammation and improve symptoms.
5. Kidney Stones
When stones move from the kidneys into the ureter, they may block the ureter, preventing normal urine flow. This can lead to severe abdominal pain accompanied by symptoms such as difficulty urinating or hematuria (blood in urine). It is recommended to seek hospital treatment through procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy to facilitate stone removal and relieve discomfort.
When experiencing abdominal pain at night, avoid high-fat foods, refrain from raw or cold foods, and avoid overeating. It is advisable to seek timely medical evaluation, obtain an accurate diagnosis, and then choose an appropriate treatment method.
