Depending on the kind of pain you are having, there are different options available to treat gastrointestinal pain on both a regular and as-needed basis. Because you may have been experiencing relenting symptoms from GI issues or diagnosed with a chronic GI condition, it does not mean that you need to live in pain. Instead, get advice and treatment from Dr. Sanjoy Mandal, who is regarded to be the best gastro surgeon in Kolkata. He will help you live a pain-free and fulfilling life in harmony with the GI tract.

Over-the-counter Treatment Options

There are several OTC options when it comes to getting relief from GI pain. Here is a list of the best possible choices available in a drug store near you.

Gas pain

As per the advice of Dr. Mandal, gas pain can be stopped at the source. To lessen gas pain, opt for an OTC medication that contains simethicone. It has an anti-foaming property that helps to reduce discomfort and bloating caused by gas in the stomach and GI tract, explains the gastrointestinal surgeon in Kolkata.

Heartburn

One of the most effective ways light or moderate heartburn and the pain associated with it (caused by GERD) can be treated is with OTC antacids or acid reducers. Since antacids are made from a combination of calcium, magnesium, and aluminium salts, they work to reduce stomach acidity. All these ingredients work together to reduce excessive stomach acids in your body.

Constipation

If you are experiencing constipation, the best OTC options include stool softeners or laxatives. Stool softeners work, with an active ingredient, by increasing the amount of moisture to your stools, making for an easier, less painful bowel movement. According to the best gastro surgeon in Kolkata, most stool softeners start working immediately after consumption, and the urge to defecate appears within 12-72 hours.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea can occur for many reasons, including a bad reaction to food, food allergies or poisoning, medication, a virus, or GI-specific chronic issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Diarrhoea is perhaps the most common gastrointestinal issue, affecting nearly more than a million people a year. Most of these cases are mild and do not need specific treatment. Fluid intake and rest are important factors in healing more quickly from a bout of diarrhoea.

At-home remedies

There are several at-home remedies for alleviating discomfort caused by the general gastrointestinal issues and the pain associated with them. Those include:

  • Avoiding food items that cause your GI symptoms to flare-up
  • Drinking plenty of water
  • Consuming chamomile or peppermint tea to lessen gas
  • Applying a heating pad on the sore area
  • Eating small meals throughout the day
  • Exercising daily

Time to seek medical treatment

Although OTC medications and at-home remedies can work wonders on GI issues that arise for a short term, it may be time to consult one of the best gastroenterology surgeons in Kolkata if you are experiencing chronic conditions or extensive pain.