How to Treat Different Types of Stomach Pain in Females

At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we understand that bloating and abdominal discomfort are frequent concerns for many women. These symptoms can have a variety of causes, including dietary habits, gastrointestinal conditions, hormonal fluctuations, and lifestyle factors. Our experienced medical team is committed to helping you identify the cause of your discomfort and develop a personalized treatment plan.

● Dietary Modifications: Many patients find relief from bloating by making simple changes to their diet. We often recommend reducing foods known to cause gas, such as beans, lentils, carbonated beverages, and certain vegetables like broccoli and cabbage. If you experience discomfort after consuming dairy, our providers may suggest limiting lactose or trying a low FODMAP diet, which can help reduce the intake of fermentable carbohydrates that contribute to bloating.

● Lifestyle Strategies: Our healthcare professionals encourage patients to eat smaller, more frequent meals and to take time eating to avoid swallowing excess air. We also recommend regular physical activity, such as walking or gentle yoga, to support healthy digestion and reduce bloating.

● Managing Menstrual-Related Symptoms: For women whose bloating is linked to their menstrual cycle, Columbia Clinic Urgent Care can recommend safe over-the-counter remedies, such as NSAIDs for pain relief. Staying hydrated and reducing salt intake can also help minimize water retention during this time.

● When to Seek Medical Attention: While mild bloating can often be managed at home, persistent or severe symptoms may suggest a more serious underlying condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), celiac disease, or ovarian disorders. If you notice additional symptoms like unexplained weight loss, blood in the stool, or significant changes in bowel habits, our team is here to provide a thorough evaluation and ensure you receive the care you need.

At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we understand that stomach pain in women can have a variety of causes, and choosing the right treatment is important for effective relief. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are often helpful for mild or common issues, but it’s essential to match the treatment to the underlying cause.

For example, if you’re experiencing stomach discomfort due to indigestion, heartburn, or mild gastritis, OTC antacids or acid reducers such as famotidine or omeprazole may help by neutralizing or decreasing stomach acid. For gas or bloating, simethicone-based products can provide relief.

If your stomach pain is related to menstrual cramps, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can be effective for reducing pain and inflammation. However, we recommend using these medications only as directed to avoid potential side effects, such as stomach irritation or ulcers—especially with frequent or long-term use.

It’s important to remember that OTC medications are not suitable for all types of stomach pain. If your pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by worrisome symptoms such as fever, vomiting, blood in your stool or vomit, or unexplained weight loss, or if you might be pregnant, it’s crucial to seek professional care. Underlying issues like infections, ulcers, gallstones, or reproductive health conditions may require prescription medications or other targeted treatments.

For women in particular, certain lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in preventing stomach discomfort and maintaining overall digestive health.

● Healthy Eating Habits: A balanced diet is essential. We encourage our patients to fill their plates with a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods support the digestive system and can help reduce the risk of stomach pain. Try to limit your intake of foods that commonly trigger discomfort, such as spicy, fatty, and highly processed items, as well as caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated beverages.

● Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is key to good digestive health. Drinking enough water each day helps prevent constipation—a common cause of stomach pain—and supports smooth digestion.

● Stay Active: Regular physical activity not only promotes overall wellness but also aids in digestion and reduces stress, both of which can contribute to stomach discomfort.

● Manage Stress: Stress is a common trigger for digestive issues. Techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help manage stress levels and reduce the likelihood of stomach pain.

At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we recommend establishing regular eating patterns. Try not to skip meals, and consider eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large ones. Getting enough sleep each night is also crucial for your body and digestive system to function properly. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services.

Stomach pain is a common concern and is often caused by minor issues such as indigestion, gas, or mild viral infections. In many cases, this type of discomfort is mild to moderate, comes and goes, and can be relieved with rest, hydration, or over-the-counter medications. Dietary changes, stress, or conditions like acid reflux are frequent culprits.

However, not all stomach pain should be taken lightly. At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we encourage you to pay attention to certain warning signs. If you experience stomach pain that is severe, persistent, or starts suddenly—especially if it interferes with your daily activities—it’s important not to ignore it. Additional symptoms that warrant prompt medical attention include:

● Fever
● Persistent vomiting
● Blood in your stool or vomit
● Unintentional weight loss
● Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
● Difficulty breathing or chest pain
● Pain after an injury
● A hard or swollen abdomen
● Pain that wakes you from sleep regularly

If you notice any of these symptoms, or if your stomach pain lasts more than a few days, it’s essential to be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Some serious conditions—such as appendicitis, gallstones, ulcers, bowel obstruction, or infections—require immediate medical attention.

Our experienced medical team specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions that can cause stomach pain in women.

When you visit one of our locations with stomach pain, our providers begin with a comprehensive evaluation—including a detailed medical history and a careful physical examination. We pay close attention to the specific details of your symptoms, such as the location, severity, and duration of your pain, and any related symptoms like nausea, bloating, changes in bowel habits, or menstrual irregularities.

Based on your initial assessment, we may recommend diagnostic tests such as blood work, urine analysis, pregnancy tests, or imaging studies like ultrasounds or CT scans, all of which can be conveniently coordinated at our clinic. This thorough approach allows us to pinpoint the underlying cause of your discomfort.

At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, we regularly diagnose and treat a variety of gastrointestinal issues, including gastritis, peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and food intolerances. We also address gynecological causes such as menstrual cramps, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

If you’re experiencing stomach pain or abdominal discomfort, don’t hesitate to visit Columbia Clinic Urgent Care—walk-ins are welcome, and our caring team is ready to help. For more information, please contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Tibbetts St Portland, Milwaukie OR, Oak Grove OR, Stark Street Portland, Fairview OR, Happy Valley OR, Gladstone OR, Cedar Mill OR, Tibbetts Street Portland OR, West Linn OR, Aloha OR, Tigard OR, Lake Oswego OR, Tualatin OR, Oregon City OR.