Can I take painkillers when experiencing stomach pain?

When experiencing stomach pain, you can usually take painkillers as directed by a physician. However, if the cause of the pain is unknown or the symptoms are severe, generally painkillers should not be used. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.

If the stomach pain is caused by mild indigestion, gastric spasm, or overeating, and there are no other serious stomach diseases present, over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen tablets, aspirin tablets, or acetaminophen tablets may be considered. However, please note that these medications may irritate the gastric mucosa, so it is recommended to take them after meals and follow the dosage instructions provided by a physician or as indicated on the medication label. Long-term and excessive use should be avoided.

If the cause of the stomach pain is unknown or accompanied by other severe symptoms, taking painkillers by oneself is not recommended, as this may mask the true underlying condition and delay diagnosis and treatment. Patients who frequently experience chronic upper abdominal discomfort should rule out the possibility of other diseases, such as chronic cholecystitis, chronic gallstones, or chronic pancreatitis. In such cases, blindly taking painkillers is also not advisable.

After taking painkillers, the patient should closely monitor any changes in their condition. Patients experiencing stomach pain should adjust their diet and avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods.