Quick answer: most cases of mild stomach pain — an upset stomach or stomachache, with nausea, gas, bloating, heartburn or acid reflux, indigestion, or mild diarrhea — get better in 1 to 3 days with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter (OTC) medicine you can pick up at CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart. If you're not sure what to take or you'd like professional guidance, you can talk by video with a Spanish-speaking doctor from Doctor Matt, with or without insurance, for a flat $88. Book your visit here and get a clear plan for feeling better.
What causes stomach pain and upset stomach?
The most common causes are short-lived viral infections (a stomach bug or "stomach flu," also called viral gastroenteritis), something you ate that didn't agree with you, overeating or too much alcohol, heartburn or acid reflux, stress, or a change in diet. Most cases clear up on their own. Antibiotics don't help viral infections and aren't recommended without a medical evaluation.
What helps an upset stomach? What you can take
For mild digestive symptoms, these over-the-counter options often help. Always read the label and follow the directions on the package — the right amount depends on your age and weight, so don't guess at a dose:
- Mild diarrhea: loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can slow things down.
- Heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion: antacids (Tums), famotidine (Pepcid), or OTC omeprazole (Prilosec OTC).
- Nausea and gas: rest your stomach, eat light, and use simethicone (Gas-X) for gas and bloating.
- Hydration: an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte to replace fluids and salts.
Hydration matters most
Diarrhea and vomiting make you lose fluids fast. Take frequent sips of water, broth, or an oral rehydration solution. Ease back in with bland foods (rice, bananas, toast, applesauce) and skip dairy, greasy or fried foods, alcohol, and caffeine until you feel better.
Warning signs: when to get care
See a doctor soon — in person or by video — if you have:
- Blood in your stool or vomit, or black, tarry stools.
- Severe abdominal pain, or pain that won't ease up.
- A high fever, or symptoms that last more than 2 to 3 days.
- Signs of dehydration: dizziness, very dry mouth, little or dark urine, or not urinating.
Emergencies: if you have chest pain, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, or signs of a stroke, call 911 right away. Telehealth is not a substitute for emergency care.
Guidance by video, in Spanish
In the visit, a Colombian doctor who speaks Spanish reviews your symptoms, helps you understand which over-the-counter medicines fit your situation, and lets you know when you need in-person care. We see patients by video across the United States, every day from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Colombia time), with no app to download. Our doctors are licensed in Colombia and do not write prescriptions valid at U.S. pharmacies — if your case needs a prescription, labs, or a hands-on exam, we'll tell you honestly. Book your $88 video visit and talk with a doctor today.
