Treating a Stomachache at School: 3 Quickest Remedies for Students

According to statistics, stomach aches are one of the most common reasons students visit the infirmary or ask to be excused from school. Many cases are not dangerous but can cause discomfort, loss of concentration, and affect academic performance. If you experience a stomach ache at school, not knowing how to handle it can prolong the pain and make the entire school day feel miserable.

In this article, Tiptory will guide you through simple, safe, and easy ways to relieve a stomach ache at school, which can be applied right in the classroom or during recess. You'll also learn when you can self-care to get rid of the stomach ache, and when to ask a teacher for help or go to the infirmary, helping to alleviate discomfort faster and avoid impacting your studies.

Quick ways to relieve stomach pain at school

Use the restroom if needed

• If you have a stomach ache at school due to gas, constipation, or the need to have a bowel movement, ask your teacher for permission to go to the restroom as soon as possible.

• Do not try to hold it in, as this can worsen the stomach pain and cause discomfort throughout the class.

• After using the restroom, many people will find that their stomach ache is gone or significantly reduced.

Drink enough water to support digestion

• Take small sips of clear water or clear liquids like properly diluted oresol (if prescribed) to prevent dehydration, especially if the stomach ache is accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting.

• Avoid sugary sodas, drinks with high caffeine content, or too much sugar, as these can further irritate the stomach.

• Staying hydrated is one simple way to relieve a stomach ache at school and support effective digestion.

Suck on peppermint or ginger candy if nauseous

• If your stomach ache is accompanied by nausea, you can suck on peppermint or ginger candy to reduce the discomfort.

• Some studies show that ginger can help reduce nausea, while peppermint creates a soothing sensation in the digestive tract for many people.

• If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), you should limit the use of peppermint as it can worsen symptoms.

Rest for a few minutes if possible

• If the pain makes it difficult to concentrate, ask your teacher for permission to go to the infirmary and lie down for about 10–15 minutes.

• Breathing slowly and deeply while resting can help your body relax, thereby reducing pain caused by stress or mild spasms.

• If your stomach ache at school is prolonged, severe, accompanied by fever, continuous vomiting, severe diarrhea, or blood in the stool, immediately inform your teacher, school nurse, or parents for prompt assessment and treatment.

Method 1: Quick tips for stomach ache relief at school

Tip 1: Ask to be excused to relieve stomach pain

Ask the teacher for permission to go to the restroom

• If you have a stomach ache at school, raise your hand and ask the teacher for permission to leave instead of trying to endure it in class.

• If you don't want to announce it to the whole class, you can approach the teacher's desk and quietly tell them you're not feeling well. This maintains privacy and helps the teacher understand and provide timely support.

• Proactively asking to leave early is one simple way to relieve a stomach ache at school, helping you feel more comfortable and preventing the pain from worsening.

Spend a few minutes resting in the restroom

• After entering the restroom, sit down and rest or breathe slowly and deeply for a few minutes to relax your body.

• If the stomach ache is related to stress or mild digestive discomfort, a short rest can help alleviate symptoms and help you get rid of the stomach ache faster.

• Avoid rushing back to class if you still feel dizzy, nauseous, or in a lot of pain.

Have a bowel movement if needed

• If you have a stomach ache at school due to constipation, gas, or diarrhea, go to the restroom as soon as you need to and do not try to hold it in.

• Having a bowel movement can help reduce pressure in the intestines, thereby alleviating stomach pain in many cases.

• After using the restroom, wash your hands thoroughly with soap to reduce the risk of spreading bacteria or viruses if the cause is a gastrointestinal infection.

Go to the infirmary if the pain does not subside

• If resting and using the restroom don't alleviate the pain, or if it worsens, inform your teacher to go to the school infirmary.

• Immediate assistance from the school nurse or parents is needed if the stomach ache is accompanied by a high fever, continuous vomiting, severe diarrhea, severe pain, or blood in the stool, as these could be signs of a condition requiring early medical attention.

Tip 2: Drink water correctly when you have a stomach ache

Drink small sips of clear water

• When you have a stomach ache at school, take small sips of plain water or other clear liquids to help your body feel better and reduce the risk of dehydration.

• You can also choose electrolyte water or coconut water if available, especially if the stomach ache is accompanied by diarrhea or vomiting.

• Drinking slowly in small sips often helps the stomach tolerate fluids better than drinking a lot of water at once.

Avoid carbonated drinks and very cold water

• Do not drink sugary sodas, highly caffeinated drinks, or other beverages that can irritate the stomach, as they can make the stomach ache or bloating worse.

• Prioritize room-temperature or slightly warm water. Very cold drinks can cause stomach contractions and make the pain more uncomfortable for some people.

Ask the teacher for permission if you need to drink water

• If your class does not allow you to bring or drink water during class, proactively ask your teacher for permission or go to the infirmary to drink water.

• This is a simple but effective way to relieve a stomach ache at school, especially when your body shows signs of dehydration or fatigue.

Temporarily limit solid foods

• If you are still nauseous or your stomach is upset, temporarily avoid solid foods until you feel your stomach ache is gone or symptoms improve.

• When the pain subsides, start with soft, easy-to-digest foods like porridge, toast, or bananas before returning to your normal diet.

Rehydrate if vomiting occurs

• If you have a stomach ache at school accompanied by vomiting, rehydration is crucial to prevent dehydration.

• Drink small sips consistently. If you cannot keep fluids down, vomit repeatedly, or show signs of dehydration such as dry mouth, dizziness, or infrequent urination, immediately inform your teacher, school nurse, or parents for timely assistance.

Tip 3: Reduce nausea with peppermint or ginger

Suck on peppermint or ginger candy

• If you have a stomach ache at school accompanied by nausea or discomfort after eating, you can suck on peppermint or ginger candy to soothe the discomfort.

• Ginger has been shown in many studies to help reduce nausea from various causes. Peppermint also creates a pleasant sensation and can reduce digestive spasms in some people.

• Suck slowly instead of chewing quickly to prolong the stomach-soothing effect.

Soft ginger candies can be used

• If you don't like hard candies, you can use soft ginger candies or other ginger-containing products in appropriate amounts.

• Use in moderation, as eating too much sugary candy can cause bloating or discomfort for some people.

Ask the teacher for permission before use

• If your class does not allow eating or sucking on candy during class, proactively ask your teacher for permission before using it.

• Explaining that you have a stomach ache at school or are nauseous will help the teacher understand your situation and enable you to safely and appropriately treat your stomach ache at school according to school rules.

Notes on using peppermint and ginger

• Ginger and peppermint only help alleviate mild symptoms and are not a substitute for treatment if the stomach ache has a serious cause.

• People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should be cautious with peppermint-containing products as they can worsen heartburn symptoms.

• If nausea is prolonged, the stomach ache is severe, vomiting is continuous, or fever occurs, immediately inform your teacher, go to the infirmary, or contact your parents for medical examination.

Tip 4: Rest in the infirmary

Ask to go to the infirmary to rest

• If you have tried to treat your stomach ache at school by using the restroom, drinking water, or sucking on ginger candy, but the pain has not subsided, ask your teacher for permission to go to the infirmary.

• Resting in a quiet environment for about 10–20 minutes can help your body relax, especially when you have a stomach ache at school due to fatigue, stress, or mild digestive upset.

• Most cases of mild stomach pain will improve on their own within a few hours with proper rest and care.

Communicate clearly with your teacher

• Tell your teacher that you are not feeling well and would like to go to the infirmary to rest for a few minutes.

• You don't need to explain in too much detail. Just honestly inform them of your condition so the teacher can provide timely support.

• Proactive communication helps you be monitored better if the stomach ache shows signs of becoming serious.

Relax while resting

• When resting, breathe slowly and evenly to allow your body to relax. This can help reduce discomfort if the pain is related to stress or mild digestive spasms.

• Avoid strenuous activity or returning to class immediately if you are still dizzy, nauseous, or in a lot of pain.

• After you feel your stomach ache is gone or your symptoms significantly improve, you can continue studying if you feel well enough.

Know when medical care is needed

• If the stomach ache does not subside after resting, becomes increasingly severe, or is accompanied by fever, continuous vomiting, severe diarrhea, fainting, severe localized pain, or blood in the stool, immediately inform the school nurse and your parents.

• These signs may be related to conditions that require early examination and treatment, rather than just waiting for the stomach ache to go away naturally.

Tip 5: Breathe deeply to relieve stomach pain

Breathe slowly to relax your body

• If you have a stomach ache at school due to stress, anxiety, or test pressure, deep breathing can help your body relax and reduce discomfort.

• When stressed, the nervous system can cause abnormal contractions in the stomach and intestines, making the stomach ache more pronounced. Controlling your breathing helps calm this response.

Practice the 4-4-4 breathing technique

1. Inhale slowly through your nose while counting from 1 to 4.

2. Hold your breath for about 4 seconds.

3. Exhale slowly through your mouth or nose for 4 seconds.

4. Repeat 5–10 times or until you feel better.

• This is a simple way to relieve a stomach ache at school, requires no equipment, and can be done right at your desk or in the infirmary.

Breathe from your belly for increased effectiveness

• When you inhale, let your belly gently expand instead of just raising your chest. This breathing method helps air go deeper into your lungs and activates your body's relaxation response.

• Relax your shoulders, neck, and jaw throughout the breathing process to reduce muscle tension, thereby helping to alleviate stomach ache.

Apply when stressed or anxious

• Deep breathing techniques are especially useful if you have a stomach ache at school before a test, presentation, or in situations that make you nervous.

• If after breathing and resting, the pain does not subside, or if the stomach ache is accompanied by fever, severe vomiting, prolonged diarrhea, or severe pain, immediately inform your teacher or go to the infirmary for assessment. These cases require examination rather than just waiting for the stomach ache to go away naturally.

Tip 6: Do not self-medicate for stomach pain

Do not take medication without knowing the cause

• If you have a stomach ache at school, do not self-medicate with painkillers or stomach ache medication without knowing the exact cause.

• Stomach aches can stem from various causes such as indigestion, constipation, food poisoning, menstrual cramps, or underlying medical conditions that require treatment. Taking the wrong medication can mask symptoms or worsen the condition.

• This is why experts recommend only using medication under the guidance of a healthcare professional or doctor.

Be cautious with ibuprofen and anti-inflammatory drugs

• Some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can irritate the stomach lining and worsen stomach pain, especially if you are hungry, nauseous, or haven't eaten yet.

• If your stomach is upset, prioritize rest, drink enough water, and monitor your symptoms instead of self-medicating. This is often a safer way to treat a stomach ache at school for mild cases.

Rest and monitor symptoms

• Find a comfortable sitting or lying position, breathe slowly, and relax to give your body time to recover.

• Many cases of stomach aches at school due to mild indigestion or stress will improve within a few hours with proper rest and care.

• If the pain gradually subsides, you can return to class when you feel your stomach ache is gone and you are well enough.

Check your temperature if you suspect a fever

• If your stomach ache is accompanied by chills, fatigue, or feeling hot, ask your teacher, parents, or the school nurse to take your temperature.

• If you have a high fever or unusual symptoms, the healthcare professional will assess and decide whether fever-reducing medication such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or other treatments are needed.

• Go to a medical facility or immediately inform an adult if the stomach ache is accompanied by a high fever, continuous vomiting, severe pain, rigid abdomen, blood in the stool, or persistent pain that does not improve, as these could be signs of a condition requiring urgent medical attention.

Method 2: Go to the infirmary when you have a stomach ache

Step 1: Share with a friend when you have a stomach ache

Don't suffer alone

• If you have a stomach ache at school, tell a close friend that you are not feeling well instead of silently enduring it.

• Having someone aware of your condition will help you get assistance faster if the pain increases or you need to leave class.

• This is a simple but very useful way to treat stomach pain at school, especially when you feel tired, dizzy, or nauseous.

Ask a friend for help when needed

• If you need to go to the restroom or the nurse's office, you can ask a friend to accompany you if the teacher allows it.

• Having a friend nearby can help you feel more at ease and assist with communicating with the teacher or medical staff if the situation becomes serious.

• If you have to miss part of a class, you can also ask a friend to take notes so you don't miss out on important information.

Sharing helps reduce stress

• Sometimes, stomach pain can worsen when you're anxious or trying to hide that you're not feeling well.

• Sharing with someone you trust can help relieve psychological pressure, making you feel more comfortable and aiding the process of relieving stomach pain if the cause is related to stress.

Report to the teacher immediately if symptoms are severe

• If you experience stomach pain at school accompanied by severe pain, fainting, persistent vomiting, fever, or continuous diarrhea, don't just tell friends; report it immediately to the teacher or medical staff.

• Friends can provide support, but assessing and managing abnormal symptoms must be done by an adult or medical professional to ensure safety.

Step 2: Inform the teacher when you have stomach pain

Inform the teacher early

• If you experience stomach pain at school, actively inform the teacher as soon as the pain affects your learning or makes you uncomfortable.

• You can raise your hand to ask for permission to speak or approach the teacher's desk for a quiet word if you wish to maintain privacy.

• Informing them early helps the teacher understand that you are experiencing a health issue, instead of assuming you are distracted or not paying attention during class.

Clearly describe your condition

• Let the teacher know when the stomach pain started, its intensity, and whether the symptoms are worsening.

• If you have other symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, fever, or dizziness, you should also inform them so the teacher can assess the situation and provide appropriate support.

• Providing complete information will help the teacher decide whether you should rest in class, go to the nurse's office, or contact your parents.

Follow the teacher's instructions

• Depending on your health condition, the teacher may allow you to rest your head on your desk for a few minutes or go to the school nurse's office.

• This is a safe way to treat stomach pain at school, helping you to be monitored and managed promptly if symptoms do not improve.

• Do not leave the classroom without permission, especially if you feel dizzy or are in a lot of pain.

Go to the nurse's office if the pain persists

• If your stomach pain at school does not subside after resting or the pain worsens, report it immediately to the teacher.

• Medical staff should assess it early if stomach pain is accompanied by high fever, continuous vomiting, severe diarrhea, severe localized pain, or blood in the stool. Timely examination helps identify the cause and increases the chance of safely and effectively relieving stomach pain.

Step 3: Go to the nurse's office for severe stomach pain

Go to the nurse's office if symptoms do not improve

• If you have tried using the restroom, drinking water, and resting but your stomach pain at school does not improve or worsens, ask the teacher for permission to go to the school nurse's office.

• The medical staff will assess your condition to determine if it is just mild digestive upset or a sign of a health issue that needs further monitoring.

• This is one of the safe and appropriate ways to treat stomach pain at school when self-care measures are no longer effective.

Allow medical staff to check your health

• At the nurse's office, you may have your temperature taken and be asked about when the pain started, its location, intensity, and accompanying symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.

• In some cases, medical staff may gently press on your abdomen to locate the pain and assess the severity of the symptoms.

• Please answer truthfully and completely for a more accurate assessment.

Be wary of pain in the right iliac fossa

• If the pain is concentrated in the lower right abdomen, worsens, or persists without relief, medical staff may consider the possibility of appendicitis or other acute conditions.

• In addition to abdominal pain, symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, or increased pain when moving also need to be checked early.

• In these cases, you should not try to continue studying or wait for the stomach pain to subside but should be taken to a medical facility for examination.

Rest or go home if necessary

• If the condition is not serious, you may be allowed to rest in the nurse's office until you feel better, then return to class.

• If the stomach pain is too severe or there are signs requiring further monitoring, the school may contact your parents to take you home or to a medical facility.

• Do not try to continue studying when your body is tired, as proper rest will help you recover faster and relieve stomach pain sooner.

Step 4: Contact parents if stomach pain persists

Inform parents if the pain does not subside

• If you experience stomach pain at school and the pain lasts for about 2 hours or worsens despite resting, ask a teacher or medical staff to contact your parents or guardian.

• In many cases, the school will encourage you to go home to rest and monitor your health instead of continuing to study when your body is not feeling well.

Stay in the nurse's office while waiting to be picked up

• If your parents come to pick you up, you will usually rest in the nurse's office until someone arrives.

• During this time, continue to monitor symptoms such as the severity of stomach pain, fever, nausea, or vomiting, and inform the medical staff if your condition changes.

• This is a safe way to treat stomach pain at school, ensuring you are cared for while waiting to go home.

Go to a medical facility if stomach pain is severe

• After returning home, if the pain is severe, prolonged, or recurs frequently, parents should take you to a medical facility to be examined by a doctor.

• Even if the pain is only mild but occurs many times or does not improve, medical examination is essential to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

• In particular, seek medical attention immediately if you experience stomach pain at school accompanied by high fever, continuous vomiting, severe localized abdominal pain, rigid abdomen, blood in stool, or difficulty walking.

Ask friends for academic support

• If you have to miss school to go home or to the hospital, you can ask friends to take notes, collect assignments, or inform you of important content from the lesson.

• This helps you focus on your health, relieve stomach pain quickly, and easily catch up on the curriculum after returning to school.

Method 3: Preventing stomach pain at school

Tip 1: Wash hands to prevent stomach pain

Wash hands frequently with soap

• Proper hand washing is one of the simplest and most effective measures to prevent gastrointestinal diseases that cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

• Wash your hands with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, thoroughly scrubbing your palms, backs of hands, between fingers, fingertips, and wrists before rinsing clean.

• If soap and water are not available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol when your hands are not visibly dirty.

Wash hands before eating

• Always wash your hands before eating or handling food to limit bacteria, viruses, and parasites from entering your digestive system.

• This is an important habit that helps reduce the risk of stomach pain at school due to contaminated food or hands.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth if your hands are not clean.

Wash hands after using the restroom

• After each use of the restroom, wash your hands carefully with soap to prevent pathogens from spreading to others and to avoid re-infection for yourself.

• This habit is especially important in a school environment where many students share restrooms and common areas.

• Maintaining good hand hygiene not only helps treat stomach pain at school by reducing the risk of new illnesses but also contributes to preventing many other infectious diseases.

Combine with other hygiene habits

• In addition to hand washing, eat cooked food and drink boiled water, use a personal water bottle, and avoid sharing food, drinks, or eating utensils with others.

• These habits help reduce the risk of gastrointestinal infections, support the prevention of stomach pain, and help you limit the occurrence of stomach pain at school.

Tip 2: Reduce anxiety to limit stomach pain

Recognize the link between anxiety and stomach pain

• Not all cases of stomach pain at school stem from digestive issues. Stress, academic pressure, or prolonged anxiety can also cause the stomach and intestines to function abnormally, leading to stomach pain, nausea, or bloating.

• If stomach pain often appears before tests, presentations, or on school days but significantly decreases on weekends or holidays, the cause may be related to psychological stress.

Share with someone you trust

• Don't keep all your worries to yourself. Talk to your parents, teachers, school counselor, or a close friend about what is stressing you out.

• Being heard and supported can help reduce stress, thereby improving physical symptoms, including stomach pain at school.

• If the cause is academic pressure or school relationships, early discussion will help you find suitable solutions.

Find ways to reduce daily stress

• Spend time resting appropriately, get enough sleep, practice deep breathing, or engage in light physical activity daily to help your body and mind relax.

• Arrange your study schedule scientifically, avoid cramming or staying up late continuously, as this can worsen anxiety and stomach pain.

• This is also a supportive measure to treat stomach pain at school if the symptom is related to psychological factors.

Seek medical attention if symptoms persist

• If stomach pain at school recurs frequently, affects your studies, or does not improve despite reducing stress, you should be examined by a doctor to rule out digestive diseases or other causes.

• When the cause is identified and treated correctly, you will have a better chance of relieving stomach pain and improving your academic performance and daily life.

Tip 3: Relax to relieve stomach pain due to anxiety

Practice relaxation techniques

• If you experience stomach pain at school due to stress or anxiety, apply relaxation techniques to help your body calm down.

• Inhaling slowly through your nose, exhaling gradually, and relaxing your entire body can help reduce overactivity of the nervous system, thereby alleviating the sensation of stomach pain.

• Maintaining a steady breathing rhythm for a few minutes will help you regain focus and feel more comfortable.

Relax muscle groups

• Gradually relax your shoulder, neck, arm, abdominal, and leg muscles while breathing deeply.

• Progressive Muscle Relaxation has been shown in many studies to help reduce stress and improve physical symptoms related to anxiety.

• This is a simple way to treat stomach pain at school that you can do right at your desk or in the nurse's office.

Shift your thoughts to positive things

• Instead of focusing solely on the pain, think about things that make you feel happy, safe, or relaxed.

• You can also count your breaths, imagine a peaceful scene, or remind yourself that the pain will soon pass if the cause is stress.

• Shifting your attention can help reduce discomfort and contribute to relieving stomach pain faster in some cases.

Maintain stress-reduction habits at home

• If you frequently experience stomach pain at school due to academic pressure, establish relaxation habits after school such as listening to soft music, doing stretching exercises, yoga, or walking/jogging at an appropriate intensity.

• Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and spending time on favorite activities also help control stress, thereby reducing the risk of recurrent stomach pain.

Seek support when anxiety persists

• If stomach pain often occurs with feelings of anxiety, nervousness, or fear of going to school and affects daily life, discuss it with your parents, teachers, or a psychological professional.

• Effectively managing anxiety not only helps improve mental health but also reduces physical symptoms, including stomach pain at school.

Tip 4: Aromatherapy to aid in relieving stomach pain

Use aromatherapy to relax

• If you experience stomach pain at school due to stress or anxiety, aromatherapy can help your body relax and reduce mental pressure.

• Some studies show that pleasant scents can improve mood and reduce feelings of stress. However, evidence for its ability to reduce stomach pain is limited, so this should only be considered a supportive measure, not a substitute for medical treatment.

• This therapy is more suitable for use at home or in places where essential oils are allowed.

Choose suitable scents

• Some scents commonly used to create a feeling of relaxation include:

  • Lavender essential oil.

  • Fennel essential oil.

  • Rose essential oil.

  • Peppermint essential oil.

  • Cinnamon essential oil.

• You can use an essential oil diffuser or gently inhale the scent in a well-ventilated area to help your body relax.

Use essential oils safely

• Do not ingest essential oils or apply them directly to the skin without proper dilution and professional guidance.

• Some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to certain scents. If you experience headaches, difficulty breathing, skin irritation, or increased discomfort, discontinue use immediately.

• In a school environment, respect school regulations and be mindful that strong scents may cause discomfort to others.

Combine with proven effective measures

• To more effectively treat stomach pain at school, combine rest, adequate hydration, deep breathing, and maintaining a healthy diet.

• If you experience stomach pain at school that is prolonged, recurs frequently, or is accompanied by fever, vomiting, severe diarrhea, or intense abdominal pain, you should visit a medical facility for examination and diagnosis. Only by addressing the root cause can you alleviate stomach pain safely and sustainably.

Tip 5: Eat a healthy diet to prevent stomach pain

Prioritize fiber-rich foods

• A balanced diet with whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and legumes helps the digestive system function more effectively, thereby reducing the risk of constipation and stomach pain.

• Fiber, combined with adequate water intake, helps soften stool and supports normal bowel movements.

• Maintaining a healthy diet is a way to help limit stomach pain at school caused by digestive disorders.

Limit processed foods

• Avoid excessive consumption of fried foods, fast food, foods high in sugar, or saturated fats, as they can slow down digestion and increase the risk of bloating and constipation.

• Instead, prioritize balanced meals with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and lean protein to support gut health.

• This is a long-term measure to help treat stomach pain at school by reducing the risk of digestive problems.

Drink enough water daily

• Drink water regularly throughout the day to aid digestion and prevent constipation.

• Individual water needs vary depending on age, weight, and activity level, but maintaining adequate hydration is always crucial for a well-functioning digestive system.

• Plain water is the best choice. Limit sugary drinks or beverages with high sugar content.

Do not eat suspected spoiled food

• Before eating, check the expiration date, smell, color, and condition of the food.

• If food shows signs of spoilage, mold, or you are unsure if it is safe, it is best not to consume it to avoid the risk of food poisoning causing stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• When bringing food to school, store it properly to prevent spoilage.

Pay attention to food allergies and intolerances

• Some people may experience stomach pain after eating certain foods due to allergies or intolerances, such as lactose intolerance in milk and dairy products.

• If you notice frequent stomach pain at school after eating the same type of food, record what you've eaten and discuss it with a doctor for evaluation.

• Correctly identifying the food causing symptoms will help prevent recurrence and increase the likelihood of long-term stomach pain relief.

Tip 6: Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine

No smoking and no alcohol consumption

• Tobacco and alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, increase acid secretion, and cause stomach pain, nausea, or indigestion.

• If you frequently experience stomach pain at school or recurring stomach pain, completely avoiding tobacco and alcoholic beverages is an important step to protect your digestive system.

• For students, not smoking and not consuming alcohol not only helps reduce the risk of stomach pain but also protects long-term health.

Limit caffeinated beverages

• Caffeine in coffee, strong tea, energy drinks, and some soft drinks can stimulate the stomach, increase acid secretion, or make discomfort more pronounced in some individuals.

• If you easily get stomach pain after consuming these drinks, reduce your intake or avoid them, especially when your stomach is upset.

• Instead, prioritize plain water or caffeine-free herbal teas if suitable for your health condition.

Seek support if difficult to quit

• If you have developed a habit of smoking or using nicotine-containing products, seek support from family, a doctor, or a smoking cessation specialist.

• Quitting smoking not only helps improve digestive health but also reduces the risk of many cardiovascular, respiratory, and cancerous diseases.

• Changing these habits can help treat stomach pain at school if the cause is related to stimulants.

Combine with a healthy lifestyle

• In addition to avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine, maintain a balanced diet, drink enough water, get adequate sleep, and exercise regularly to support your digestive system.

• If you have changed your lifestyle but still experience stomach pain at school or the pain occurs frequently, visit a medical facility for examination and diagnosis. Treating the root cause is the most effective way to alleviate stomach pain and prevent symptoms from recurring.

Don't rule out the possibility of pregnancy

Talk to an adult or healthcare professional if pregnancy is a possibility

• If you might be pregnant and frequently experience stomach pain at school, especially accompanied by nausea, missed periods, or fatigue, talk to a parent, school nurse, or doctor.

• Nausea and abdominal discomfort can be early signs of pregnancy, but they can also be related to many other health conditions. Only proper examination and testing can accurately determine the cause.

Do not self-diagnose the cause of stomach pain

• Stomach pain does not necessarily mean pregnancy. This symptom can stem from digestive disorders, menstrual cramps, infections, or other medical conditions.

• If stomach pain is prolonged, recurrent, or accompanied by unusual symptoms such as severe pain, vaginal bleeding, fever, or fainting, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Seek early support

• If you feel worried or don't know whom to share with, turn to a trusted adult, such as a parent, guardian, healthcare professional, or doctor.

• Early communication helps you receive appropriate advice and care, rather than trying to treat stomach pain at school yourself without identifying the cause.

Prioritize medical examination when symptoms persist

• If you experience stomach pain at school multiple times, the pain does not subside, or it affects your daily life, visit a medical facility for a comprehensive evaluation.

• Correctly identifying the cause is a crucial step for effective treatment and safely alleviating stomach pain.

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Content edited by: Lesley Collins Tran.

Information consulted and verified by expert: Emily Johnson.