Some types of mild abdominal pain can be treated at home with basic lifestyle or diet changes.  More serious cases of abdominal pain should be treated by a medical professional. 

If you are experiencing mild abdominal pain from eating, indigestion or illness you and your doctor can treat the condition with a variety of therapies. Do not take any medicines for stomach cramps until you have talked with a medical professional.  Especially avoid laxatives, enemas, and painkillers.  These are not proper treatment for abdominal pain and can make your symptoms worse.  Here are some things that you can do on your own to improve abdominal pain.

Rest - First is rest. Lie down and rest until you feel better. A warm washcloth or heating pad on the stomach for 20 minutes may help speed recovery. When the body is stressed, it needs rest to recover. If your symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, call your doctor and schedule a visit.

Diet - Peppermint or ginger teas can help ease nausea or stomache ache. Increase your daily intake of fibre to promote a healthy gastrointestinal system. Also be sure to Drink enough fluids. Bulk-forming laxatives can also help relieve constipation, but check with your doctor first.

Relieve constipation - Sit on the toilet and try to pass a bowel movement. This may relieve pain if it is due to constipation or diarrhea.

Relaxation techniques - Use relaxation exercises for mild pains. Lie down in a quiet place; take deep, slow breaths; and think about something pleasant. Listen to audiotapes that teach relaxation to learn relaxed breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and autogenic relaxation techniques.

Your doctor can help figure out what other approaches might work best for you in treating mild abdominal pain. If the symptoms that you are experiencing are sensitive or serious, talk about events that trigger pains and how you're going to cope with them. Treatment alternatives are varied, and each will depend upon your diagnosis.

Remember to call your doctor if abdominal pain doesn't stop within a few hours. If you think your problem is serious, call right away. You should always feel free to get a second opinion, if it would make you more comfortable.    For more information about abdominal pain, make an appointment to visit your doctor.  An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.