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STOMACH ACHE

You won't find "stomachache" in the medical dictionary. As a matter of fact, a stomachache is sort of a catchall term for a variety of all-too-familiar discomforts: knots, a dull ache, an acidy feeling. Maybe cramps and a little diarrhea or constipation just to make things interesting.

Help for plain old stomach trouble

Try an acid suppressor

Modern medicines called H2 blockers, such as Tagamet or Pepcid AC, which suppress acid at its source and keep it from irritating your stomach lining, are now available over the counter. More powerful than antacids, acid suppressors are especially effective against heartburnlike pain.

Loosen your belt

If your stomach is distended from IBS, you can loosen your belt. If you're tightly buttoned and belted up, try switching to comfortable, loose clothing, which can ease the pressure on your aching stomach.

Stop

The best thing to do for any stomachache may be nothing except resting and relaxing. If you calm down, you'll help your stomach calm down.

Or pound the pavement

Stomach in knots over a conflict or hasle? For some women, exercise is the best medicine for a stress-related stomachache. Get up and walk away. And regular exercise such as walking or biking three days a week-is such a great stress reliever that you may get rid of tension stomachaches forever.

Nix the coffee and alcohol

Coffee and alcohol also are well-known stoamach irritants. I tell women who get stomachaches to stick to decaffeinated, nonalcoholic drinks.

Kick that habit-please

Everyone has heard that smoking does a number on your lungs, but did you know that it's nurder on your stomach? Cigarettes and other tobacco products decrease the stomach linings ability to defend itself against powerful acids that cause stomachaches. So if you smoke, stop. And to protect yourself against chronic stomachaches, don't start again after you feel better.

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