Stomach and digestion: diarrhea, stomach pain and gas
Most stomach upsets, such as loose stools (LBM) or a mild ache after a meal, get better at home in a day or two. The most important thing with diarrhea is to replace the water you lose: oral rehydration solution (ORS) does this best, and health centres and YAKAP clinics can give it for free.
Some signs mean you should not wait. Watch for dehydration, such as passing very little urine, a dry mouth or unusual sleepiness, especially in babies, young children and older people. Blood in the stool, or stomach pain that is severe, keeps getting worse or stays in one spot, needs a doctor.
The guides below explain home care, what to eat and drink, and when to go to a health centre or the emergency room.
3 guidesUpdated November 1, 2026
In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. Call 911
Guides on this topic
Diarrhea (LBM): ORS, food and when to see a doctor
Diarrhea, or LBM, means loose or watery poo three or more times a day. It is usually caused by a gut infection from unsafe water or food and gets better within a week. The most important remedy is oral rehydration solution (ORS), which health centers and YAKAP clinics can give for free. Keep eating and keep breastfeeding. Go to a hospital for signs of severe dehydration, and see a doctor for blood in the poo, a baby with diarrhea, or diarrhea that does not get better.
Bloating and gas (kabag): causes, relief and warning signs
Bloating, or kabag, is a full, tight belly, usually from gas. It is very common and usually harmless. Gas comes from air you swallow and from gut bacteria breaking down foods like monggo, cabbage, milk and soft drinks. Eating slowly, smaller meals, a walk after eating and simethicone from the pharmacy can help. See a doctor if bloating happens most days or comes with weight loss, blood in your poo or vomiting. Chest pain that feels like kabag can be a heart attack: call 911.
Stomach pain: common causes and danger signs
Almost everyone gets stomach pain at some point. Most of the time it comes from gas (kabag), indigestion, constipation or a stomach bug, and it gets better in a day or two. But some stomach pain needs a doctor fast, such as appendicitis, a bleeding ulcer or a pregnancy outside the womb. Where it hurts, how it feels and the symptoms that come with it give clues about how urgent it is, but only a health worker who examines you can find the cause.
Common questions
Each answer is in the guide it links to.
Questions about your own situation?
Joy, our Symptom guide, answers in your language, free, any time. Joy is an AI agent, not a person: in an emergency, call 911.