Upset Stomach: Fast Relief, Causes, and When to Seek Help

An upset stomach can hit out of nowhere and ruin your plans. Before you panic, try a few simple fixes that calm symptoms fast and figure out if you need medical care.

Common causes and quick at-home fixes

Most upset stomachs come from overeating, greasy or spicy food, food that’s gone bad, alcohol, motion sickness, stress, or a short viral infection. Certain medicines—like NSAIDs or antibiotics—can also irritate your gut. If you feel queasy or bloated, start with these steps: stop eating heavy food, sip clear fluids slowly, and rest upright so acid doesn’t travel up your throat.

Try the BRAT approach for a few meals: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These are gentle on the stomach and easy to digest. Ginger—fresh slices, tea, or candied ginger—helps nausea for many people. Peppermint can soothe cramps and gas, but skip it if you have strong acid reflux; peppermint can make heartburn worse.

Use a warm compress on your belly to ease cramps, and avoid caffeine, alcohol, dairy, and greasy foods until you’re back to normal. Eat small, plain meals instead of large portions for a day or two.

Safe over-the-counter options and cautions

Antacids (like calcium carbonate) give fast relief for heartburn or mild indigestion. H2 blockers (famotidine) and proton pump inhibitors (like pantoprazole) work for recurring acid reflux, but PPIs take longer to act and are best used under a doctor’s advice if you need them long term. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can help mild diarrhea and nausea, but don’t use it with aspirin allergy or in children recovering from viral illnesses.

Loperamide helps control non-bloody diarrhea for adults, but stop it and see a doctor if you have fever or bloody stools. For severe nausea, prescription antiemetics are more effective—ask your clinician. Always read labels and check interactions if you take other medicines.

If antibiotics caused your stomach upset, a probiotic may reduce symptoms and help prevent antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Choose a probiotic with strains supported by evidence, and talk to a pharmacist or doctor about timing with your antibiotic dose.

Watch for red flags: severe or worsening abdominal pain, blood in vomit or stool, high fever, signs of dehydration (dry mouth, dizziness, very low urine output), or vomiting that doesn’t stop. Also get care sooner for infants, older adults, pregnant people, or anyone with a weakened immune system.

To lower the chance of future flare-ups, eat slowly, avoid known trigger foods (fried meals, very spicy dishes, big servings), limit alcohol and caffeine, and manage stress. If symptoms happen often, track what you eat and when symptoms start—this helps your provider identify causes like GERD, ulcers, or food intolerances.

If you’re unsure what to do, call your healthcare provider or a pharmacist. Small stomach issues clear up fast with these steps; when they don’t, you’ll know it’s time for professional help.