A stomach ache during class can make the school day feel endless. It can be painful, uncomfortable, and distracting, making it hard to concentrate on lessons. However, before heading to the nurse’s office or calling home, try a few quick remedies to ease the discomfort.
Here’s how you can relieve stomach pain fast while at school and prevent it from happening again.
Quick Remedies for a Stomach Ache at School
If you’re dealing with a stomach ache at school, try these fast and effective methods to feel better.
1. Take a Bathroom Break
🚻 Sometimes, a stomach ache is caused by constipation, gas, or diarrhea. If you feel uncomfortable, ask your teacher if you can use the restroom.
✅ Why this helps:
- Using the bathroom relieves pressure and discomfort.
- Sitting quietly in the stall gives your body time to relax.
- If you’re constipated, a bowel movement might ease the pain instantly.
💡 Tip: If you’re embarrassed to ask in front of the class, walk up to your teacher’s desk and ask quietly.
2. Sip Clear Liquids
💧 Drinking small sips of water, coconut water, or a sports drink can help settle your stomach.
✅ Best drinks for a stomach ache:
- Water (room temperature or warm)
- Clear broth
- Electrolyte drinks (like Gatorade)
- Coconut water
🚫 Avoid: Soda, coffee, milk, or sugary drinks.
💡 Tip: If your school doesn’t allow drinks in class, ask the teacher if you can step out and take a few sips.
3. Suck on Peppermint or Ginger Candy
🍬 Peppermint and ginger are natural stomach soothers that can help reduce nausea and stomach cramps.
✅ Options to try:
- Peppermint candy or tea
- Ginger chews or tea
- Lemon drops
🚫 Avoid: Chocolate or citrus-flavored candies, as they can worsen acid reflux.
💡 Tip: If food isn’t allowed in class, ask your teacher if you can have a small peppermint discreetly.
4. Lay Down in the Nurse’s Office
🏥 If your stomach pain doesn’t improve, ask your teacher if you can lie down in the nurse’s office for a few minutes.
✅ Resting helps because:
- It reduces stress on your digestive system.
- You can relax and breathe deeply, which may calm an upset stomach.
- The nurse can check if you have a fever or other symptoms.
💡 Tip: If you don’t feel comfortable asking to leave, let a friend know so they can help you talk to the teacher.
5. Take Deep Breaths to Relax
😌 Sometimes, stomach aches are caused by stress and anxiety. Deep breathing relaxes the body and can ease digestive discomfort.
✅ Try this simple breathing exercise:
- Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds.
- Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth for 4 seconds.
- Repeat 5–10 times.
💡 Tip: You can also try stretching or rubbing your stomach gently in a circular motion.
6. Don’t Take Medicine Unless Necessary
💊 If you don’t know the cause of your stomach ache, avoid taking medicine right away.
🚫 Avoid:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) – Can irritate the stomach lining.
- Aspirin – May make stomach pain worse if taken on an empty stomach.
✅ Only take medicine if:
- The school nurse recommends it.
- You’ve taken that medicine before and know it works.
- You have a prescription for stomach issues.
How to Ask for Help at School
If your stomach ache doesn’t go away, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
1. Tell a Friend
👫 If you feel uncomfortable talking to a teacher, let a friend know that you’re not feeling well.
✅ Why this helps:
- They can help you ask the teacher for a bathroom break.
- They can walk with you to the nurse’s office if you feel weak.
- If you leave class, they can take notes for you.
💡 Tip: Sometimes, talking to someone about your discomfort makes you feel better.
2. Let Your Teacher Know
👩🏫 If your stomach pain isn’t getting better, let your teacher know.
✅ How to tell them discreetly:
- Raise your hand and ask to step outside.
- Go to your teacher’s desk and whisper your concern.
- Say, “I don’t feel well. Can I go to the nurse’s office?”
💡 Tip: Teachers appreciate honesty! They want you to feel better, so don’t be afraid to speak up.
3. Ask to Go to the Nurse’s Office
🏥 If the stomach pain gets worse, ask to see the nurse.
✅ The nurse may:
- Check if you have a fever.
- Give you a place to lie down.
- Provide medicine (if allowed).
- Call your parents if needed.
🚨 Go to the nurse immediately if:
- You have sharp, severe pain in one area.
- You feel dizzy or weak.
- You have vomiting or diarrhea.
💡 Tip: If the nurse sends you back to class, but you still feel sick, ask again after 30 minutes.
4. Call Your Parents If It Gets Worse
📞 If the pain lasts more than 2 hours, ask the nurse or school office to call your parents.
✅ Your parents should call a doctor if:
- Your pain is severe or keeps coming back.
- You have a fever or vomiting.
- The pain gets worse instead of better.
Preventing Frequent Stomach Aches at School
If you get stomach aches often, here are some ways to prevent them:
1. Wash Your Hands Often
👐 Many stomach aches are caused by viruses and bacteria. Keep your hands clean to avoid getting sick.
✅ Wash your hands:
- Before eating
- After using the bathroom
- After touching shared surfaces
2. Manage Stress and Anxiety
😰 If school stress causes stomach pain, find ways to relax:
- Take deep breaths when feeling anxious.
- Talk to a teacher or counselor if school feels overwhelming.
- Try gentle stretching or mindfulness.
💡 Tip: If your stomach aches happen mostly on school days, stress could be the cause.
3. Eat a Healthy Diet
🥦 Eating healthy foods can prevent digestive issues like bloating and constipation.
✅ Best foods for digestion:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains (brown rice, whole-wheat bread)
- Lean protein (chicken, beans)
- Water and herbal teas
🚫 Avoid:
- Junk food (chips, fries, candy)
- Sugary drinks (soda, energy drinks)
- Too much dairy (if you’re lactose intolerant)
Final Thoughts: How to Feel Better at School
Stomach aches are common, but you can manage the discomfort with quick remedies and prevent future stomach issues with healthy habits.
✅ Best ways to get rid of a stomach ache at school:
- Use the bathroom to relieve discomfort.
- Sip clear liquids like water or coconut water.
- Suck on peppermint or ginger to settle nausea.
- Take deep breaths to relax.
- Ask the teacher for help if the pain gets worse.
💡 If your stomach aches happen often, consider talking to a doctor. They can check for food allergies, stress-related issues, or digestive conditions.
