Upset stomach medicine
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Effective Treatments for Upset Stomach: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction to Upset Stomach
An upset stomach, often characterized by symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, is a common issue that can affect individuals of all ages. While it is usually mild and self-limiting, recognizing severe cases that require urgent care is crucial1. This article explores various treatments for upset stomach, including traditional remedies, modern medications, and alternative therapies.
Hydration and Symptomatic Treatment
Importance of Hydration
For acute diarrhea, maintaining adequate hydration is essential. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) and zinc supplements are recommended to manage dehydration effectively1. This approach is particularly important in children, where the risk of dehydration is higher.
Antibiotics for Dysentery
In cases of dysentery, characterized by bloody diarrhea, antibiotics are necessary to treat the underlying infection1. It is crucial to differentiate between simple diarrhea and dysentery to ensure appropriate treatment.
Traditional Herbal Remedies
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Decoction
A study comparing Huang Qi Jian Zhong decoction with Si Jun Zi decoction found that the former significantly reduced symptoms of gastric upset, achieving a 96.42% effectiveness rate compared to 73.08% in the control group2. This traditional Chinese medicine shows promise in treating stomach deficiencies.
Allanblackia floribunda Extract
Allanblackia floribunda, used in African traditional medicine, has been scientifically validated for its antiulcer properties. The extract significantly reduced gastric ulcers in rats by lowering TNF-α and INF-γ levels and modulating Ki67 protein expression5. This suggests its potential as a natural remedy for stomach issues.
Ginger
Ginger, known for its digestive benefits, has been used for centuries to treat stomach upset, diarrhea, and nausea. Its active compounds, such as6-gingerol and6-paradol, possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to its effectiveness8.
Modern Medications
Pediatric Antacid Preparations
A new pediatric antacid, Children's MYLANTA Upset Stomach Relief, has shown high effectiveness in treating gastrointestinal symptoms in children. In a study involving 321 children, the antacid provided substantial relief within an hour, with 95% of physicians and 92% of parents rating its effectiveness as "excellent" or "good"9. This preparation is specifically formulated for pediatric use, ensuring safety and efficacy.
Alternative Therapies
Acupressure
Acupressure has been explored as a treatment for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. A systematic review and meta-analysis found that acupressure significantly reduced the severity of acute and delayed nausea, although it did not affect vomiting frequency6. This suggests that acupressure can be a complementary therapy for managing nausea.
Drug Interactions
Interactions with Kampo Medicines
Studies have shown that certain over-the-counter (OTC) Kampo medicines for upset stomach can interact with prescription drugs like levodopa, used for Parkinson's disease. These interactions, influenced by metallic additives in the Kampo medicines, can reduce the bioavailability of levodopa3. It is important to consider potential drug interactions when using OTC remedies.
Conclusion
Managing an upset stomach involves a combination of hydration, traditional remedies, modern medications, and alternative therapies. Recognizing severe cases and understanding potential drug interactions are crucial for effective treatment. Whether using herbal remedies like Huang Qi Jian Zhong decoction and ginger, modern antacids, or alternative therapies like acupressure, a comprehensive approach can provide significant relief from stomach discomfort.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Approach to “Upset Stomach”
Primary physicians should recognize alarm signs and refer to specialists for urgent care, while recognizing normal symptoms and re-assuring caregivers.
Clinical Observation of Using Huang Qi Jian Zhong Decoction to Treat Gastric Upset
Huang Qi Jian Zhong decoction effectively reduces gastric upset symptoms with deficiency of stomach, reaching 96.42% effective rate compared to 73.08% in the control group.
RCT[Possibility of interactions between prescription drugs and OTC drugs (2nd report)--interaction between levodopa preparation and OTC Kampo medicines for upset stomach].
Metallic additives in OTC Kampo medicines for upset stomach may play a crucial role in reducing the bioavailability of levodopa when combined with levodopa preparation for Parkinson's disease patients.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyHOME REMEDIES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND WESTERN EUROPE
Modern home remedies, derived from research and safety standards, are as safe and effective as prescription drugs, with their history influencing current thinking.
Allanblackia floribunda Seed Extract Attenuates the Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats via the Inhibition of TNF-α and INF-γ Levels and Modulation in the Expression of Ki67 Protein
Allanblackia floribunda seed extract effectively protects rats from gastric ulceration by reducing gastric pH, TNF-, and INF- levels, and promoting ulcer healing through modulation of Ki67 protein expression.
Non-RCTAnimal Study
Rigorous JournalEffects of acupressure on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting-a systematic review with meta-analyses and trial sequential analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Acupressure may have a protective effect on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, but more well-designed clinical trials with larger sample sizes are needed for definitive conclusions.
Meta-AnalysisRigorous JournalHealing indigestion: a phytotherapeutic review
Phytotherapeutic traditional herbal remedies, such as chamomile, fennel, and fennel seed, show potential in treating and preventing various digestive disorders.
Cancer preventive properties of ginger: a brief review.
Ginger has cancer preventive properties due to the presence of certain pungent constituents, such as [6]-gingerol and [6]-paradol, which exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
Highly CitedTHERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL COMPLAINTS IN CHILDREN INCLUDING PRELIMINARY EXPERIENCE WITH A NEW PEDIATRIC ANTACID PREPARATION
Children's MYLANTA Upset Stomach Relief is well-tolerated and highly effective in relieving common gastrointestinal symptoms in both young and older children.
Non-RCT
Large Human TrialThe effect of an aqueous extract of comfrey on prostaglandin synthesis by rat isolated stomach
An aqueous extract of comfrey significantly reduces prostaglandin synthesis in the rat isolated stomach, potentially benefiting patients with rheumatism and gastric upsets.
Non-RCTAnimal Study