Gastrointestinal issues: what to try first and when to get help

Gut problems can be sudden and annoying. Heartburn, nausea, bloating, constipation, diarrhea and slow stomach emptying (gastroparesis) are the ones people ask about most. Some clear up fast with simple steps. Others need a medicine or a doctor's visit. Below you’ll find clear, useful actions you can try right away, plus when to seek help and how to buy meds safely online.

Quick, useful home care

If symptoms are mild, start with basics. Drink small sips of water if you feel nauseous. For diarrhea try bland BRAT foods (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) and skip dairy and greasy meals until you improve. For constipation add fiber gradually—oats, beans and whole fruit—plus more water and short daily walks. For heartburn avoid late-night meals, cut back on spicy foods and alcohol, and sleep with your head raised.

Over-the-counter aids can help short term: antacids for heartburn, loperamide for brief diarrhea control, and osmotic laxatives for occasional constipation. Probiotics like Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii may reduce some forms of acute diarrhea—look for products with clear strain names. Stop OTC treatments and see a doctor if things get worse.

When medicines or tests make sense

Persistent or severe problems often need prescriptions. Nausea or slow stomach emptying may be helped by prokinetic drugs such as domperidone (Motilium) or metoclopramide; doctors sometimes use low-dose erythromycin short-term too. Bacterial infections can require antibiotics—cef​​ixime is one option for certain infections, but a clinician should decide based on the diagnosis. We have articles on getting Motilium safely, alternatives, and how to buy cefixime online.

Keep a simple symptom diary if problems recur: what you ate, when symptoms started, and any meds you took. That makes appointments more useful and helps your provider choose the right test or drug.

See a doctor urgently if you have high fever, severe belly pain, vomiting you can’t stop, signs of dehydration (little urine, dizziness), blood in vomit or stool, or sudden unexplained weight loss. Also seek care if symptoms last more than a few days despite treatment—those can point to infections, inflammation, or other issues that need tests.

Buying meds online? Pick pharmacies that require prescriptions, list real contact info, and have clear return policies. Avoid sites that sell prescription drugs without asking for a prescription or that offer extremely low prices with no reviews. We review online pharmacy options on this site and offer guides to safer purchases—check those posts or use our contact page if you need help finding a reliable source.

If you’re unsure, call a local clinic or pharmacist before starting new meds. Small steps at home can help most people, but clear warning signs mean it’s time to see a professional.