Why does my stomach hurt when I wake up? What causes stomach pain in the morning? How to stop stomach pain in the morning? When to see a doctor about stomach pain?

Causes of Stomach Pain in the Morning

There are several common reasons why your stomach may hurt when you wake up in the morning:

1. Indigestion

Indigestion, or dyspepsia, is a symptom of an underlying condition like acid reflux or ulcers. It’s caused by things like medication, obesity, stress, alcohol, caffeine, and eating spicy or fatty foods too quickly. Symptoms include stomach pain, heartburn, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. To fix indigestion, cut down on the trigger foods and drinks, eat smaller meals more slowly, and manage stress and anxiety. Over-the-counter pain relievers, ginger ale, and peppermint tea may also help.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder that can be triggered by stress, lack of sleep, and disruptions to your circadian rhythm. Morning IBS symptoms are often worse after a night of poor sleep. Symptoms include stomach pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, bloating, and nausea. To manage IBS, focus on getting good sleep, avoiding eating close to bedtime, reducing fiber/fat/spicy foods, exercising, lowering anxiety, and trying melatonin supplements.

3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD, which includes conditions like ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, involves chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms include stomach pain, cramps, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and blood in stool. See a doctor if you suspect you have IBD, as treatments like anti-inflammatory drugs, immune suppressors, and biologics may be needed.

4. Constipation

Constipation, or infrequent and difficult bowel movements, can cause stomach pain. Common causes include stress, not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough water, and lack of exercise. Symptoms include stomach pain, hard/lumpy stools, straining, and pain during bowel movements. Try lifestyle changes like more exercise, hydration, fiber, and stress reduction, or use laxatives if needed.

5. Acid Reflux and GERD

Acid reflux, where stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus, can cause stomach pain. Chronic acid reflux is called gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). One study found nearly half of GERD patients experience reflux within 20 minutes of waking up. Symptoms include stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, bad breath, and a bad taste.

How to Stop Stomach Pain in the Morning

To stop your morning stomach pain, try the following remedies based on the cause:

• For indigestion, cut back on trigger foods/drinks, eat slower, and manage stress
• For IBS, focus on good sleep, avoiding late eating, reducing trigger foods, and trying supplements like melatonin
• For IBD, see a doctor to get proper treatment with medications
• For constipation, increase exercise, hydration, and fiber intake, and use laxatives if needed
• For acid reflux/GERD, avoid trigger foods, don’t lie down after eating, and use over-the-counter antacids

How to Fall Back Asleep with Stomach Pain

If your stomach pain wakes you up in the night, try these tips to fall back asleep:

1. Get up and walk around briefly to see if the pain subsides
2. Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation
3. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if the pain is severe
4. Sip on herbal tea like ginger or peppermint to soothe your stomach
5. Use a heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen
6. If the pain persists, get up and do a quiet activity until you feel sleepy again

When to See a Doctor About Stomach Pain

You should see a doctor about your morning stomach pain if:

• The pain is severe, persistent, or worsening
• You have unexplained weight loss, nausea/vomiting, or blood in your stool
• The pain disrupts your sleep on a regular basis
• Lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies don’t provide relief
• You have a history of conditions like ulcers, IBS, or IBD

Your doctor can help diagnose the underlying cause and provide appropriate treatment, whether it’s medication, dietary changes, or something else. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if your morning stomach pain is concerning or impacting your daily life.

How the RISE App Can Help

The RISE app can help you better manage morning stomach pain by improving your sleep and circadian rhythm. RISE tracks your sleep stages and provides personalized recommendations to optimize your sleep and wake up feeling refreshed. This can be especially helpful if your stomach pain is related to issues like IBS that are exacerbated by poor sleep. Download the RISE app to start getting better quality sleep and reducing your morning stomach woes.

Why Does My Stomach Hurt When I Wake Up? What to Do About It

When your alarm goes off in the morning, you should be waking up excited for a new day, or at least for the coffee that’s been brewing. But, instead, you’re struck down with stomach pain that makes it hard to get out of bed. 

If this is a rare occurrence, it’s probably nothing to worry about, and the pain should go away on its own soon enough. If, however, you’re regularly waking up with stomach pain, or your stomach pain wakes you up early, stopping you from getting a full night’s sleep, you need to find the fix and/or seek medical attention. 

Below, we’ll cover the common reasons your stomach might be hurting when you wake up and what you can do to fix it. Plus, we’ll share how the RISE app can help.

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What causes stomach pain in the morning?

How to stop stomach pain in the morning?

How to fall back to sleep when your stomach hurts?

What causes stomach pain at night?

When to see a doctor about stomach pain?

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What Causes Stomach Pain in the Morning?

Here’s what could be behind your morning stomach pain.  

1. Indigestion 

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is common. It happens when stomach acid irritates the lining of your stomach, the top part of your bowel, or your esophagus. 

It’s not a condition in its own right, however. It’s a symptom of a condition like acid reflux or ulcers.  

Medication, obesity, stress, anxiety, alcohol, caffeine, eating spicy or fatty foods, or eating too quickly can cause indigestion. Symptoms usually appear after eating, so you may get stomach pain right after breakfast. 

Symptoms of indigestion include: 

• Stomach pain 
• Heartburn 
• Bloating 
• Nausea 
• Diarrhea 

The fix: Cut down alcohol, caffeine, and your intake of spicy and fatty foods. Try eating smaller meals and eating more slowly, and keeping your stress and anxiety in check.

Over-the-counter pain relief like aspirin can help reduce pain in the moment, but these can also irritate your stomach. Ginger ale and peppermint tea are home remedies that may ease stomach pain. 

We’ve covered what helps with digestion and how to improve gut health naturally here. 

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) 

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. It can be triggered by stress, a lack of sleep, or being out of sync with your circadian rhythm — your body’s roughly 24-hour biological clock. 

If you’ve had a night of poor sleep, abdominal pain from IBS may be worse the next day. And sleep disruption can make GI symptoms and visceral hypersensitivity (pain in your visceral organs like your stomach) worse. Morning IBS symptoms are also worse after a night of poor sleep. 

Symptoms of IBS include:

• Stomach pain
• Cramps 
• Diarrhea 
• Constipation 
• Bloating 
• Nausea 

The fix: Keep your sleep debt low and circadian rhythm in check (more on how to do that soon) as these can trigger IBS and make symptoms worse. Avoid eating within two to three hours of bedtime and reduce how much fiber, fat, and spicy foods you eat. Exercise, lowering anxiety, and melatonin supplements can also help. 

To see more causes and treatments, check out how to sleep with IBS here. 

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3. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) 

Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is a more serious gastrointestinal disorder. It happens when your gastrointestinal tract is chronically inflamed. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease come under IBD. 

Symptoms of IBD include: 

• Stomach pain 
• Cramps 
• Diarrhea 
• Fatigue 
• Weight loss
• Blood in stool 

The fix: Speak to a doctor if you think you have IBD. Anti-inflammatory drugs, immune system suppressors, and biologics (which neutralize inflammation-causing proteins) may be needed.

4. Constipation 

Constipation is infrequent bowel movements or having difficult bowel movements. It’s usually described as fewer than three bowel movements a week. 

Common causes of constipation include stress and anxiety, not eating enough fiber, not drinking enough water, or a lack of exercise.

Symptoms of constipation include: 

• Stomach pain 
• Having hard or lumpy stools 
• Straining to have a bowel movement 
• Pain when having a bowel movement 

The fix: Try lifestyle changes like doing more exercise, drinking more water, eating more fiber, and reducing your anxiety to ease constipation. Medications like laxatives can also help.    

5. Acid Reflux and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)

Acid reflux is usually felt as a burning sensation in your chest, but you may also feel stomach pain. 

It happens when stomach acid flows back up your digestive tract into your esophagus. Chronic acid reflux is known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). 

One small study found almost half of GERD patients have an acid reflux event within the first 20 minutes of waking up.

Symptoms of acid reflux include: 

• Stomach pain
• Heartburn 
• Nausea 
• Bad breath
• A bad taste in your mouth 
• Bloating 

The fix: Try eating smaller and more frequent meals and avoid overeating, reducing your anxiety, losing weight if you’re overweight, avoiding eating too close to bedtime, and sleeping with your head elevated. You can also take over-the-counter medication like Prevacid, Nexium, or Prilosec, after consulting with your doctor. 

Sleeping on your left side may also help. A 2022 study found left-side sleeping helped those with GERD have more reflux-free nights. 

You can learn more about the best side to sleep on for digestion here and how to sleep with acid reflux here. 

6. Food Intolerances and Allergies 

You might have had something new for dinner last night — or accidentally consumed something you know you’re allergic to — and now you’ve woken up in pain or with an upset stomach.  

Allergies or intolerances to dairy, shellfish, wheat, gluten, soy, eggs, or nuts can cause stomach pain, as can celiac disease. 

Symptoms of food allergies include: 

• Stomach pain 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Hives
• Wheezing
• Swelling of the tongue, lips, or eyes 
• Diarrhea 

The fix: If you don’t know of any food allergies, keep a food diary to track what you’ve eaten and when you get symptoms. You can also speak to a doctor about allergy tests. 

7. Pancreatitis 

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. You might feel pain in your stomach, especially after eating — so this may come on after breakfast. 

Symptoms of pancreatitis include: 

• Sharp pain in your stomach or back 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Fever 
• Having a swollen or tender belly  

The fix: Seek medical attention. Pain relief can help in the moment, but you may need antibiotics, fluids, or surgery. A doctor will also be able to determine the cause of your pancreatitis and treat that. This could be something like gallstones or alcohol misuse. 

8. Peptic Ulcer 

A peptic ulcer is an ulcer found on your stomach lining or in your small intestine. They’re caused by a Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterial infection or from overusing anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) like aspirin. 

You may get peptic ulcer pain at any time of the day, but it might feel worse in the morning as you have an empty stomach. 

Symptoms of peptic ulcers include: 

• Stomach pain 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Loss of appetite 
• Weight loss 
• Indigestion  

The fix: An over-the-counter antacid can ease pain. See a doctor if you think you have a stomach ulcer as you may need antibiotics, proton pump inhibitors to reduce stomach acid, or surgery. 

9. Period Pain 

Cramps and bloating can hit you at any time of your period, including the morning. And period pain may be made worse by the fact it’s hard to get enough sleep (due to a potent cocktail of pain, anxiety, and fluctuating hormones). 

Symptoms of period pain include: 

• Stomach cramps 
• Bloating
• Lower back pain
• Breast tenderness
• Migraines 

The fix: Try a hot water bottle or heating pad to ease the stomach ache and pain relievers like ibuprofen. Yoga, a brisk walk, and abdominal massage can also help.

Getting enough sleep can make the pain easier to deal with, but sleep can be hard to come by on your period. We’ve covered how to sleep on your period and more about insomnia before your period here.  

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10. Gastritis 

Gastritis is when your stomach lining becomes inflamed. This can be caused by an infection, overuse of certain pain relievers, or overuse of alcohol. 

Gastritis may become worse when you eat, so you may feel your stomach pain more after breakfast.  

Symptoms of gastritis include: 

• Stomach pain 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Feelings of fullness in your upper abdomen 

The fix: Speak to a doctor. You may need antibiotics, acid blockers, or proton pump inhibitors. 

11. Diverticulitis 

Diverticulitis happens when small sacs develop in the wall of your large intestine and become inflamed. 

Symptoms of diverticulitis include: 

• Stomach pain, usually in the lower left side of your abdomen  
• Constipation 
• Fever 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting  

The fix: Speak to a healthcare professional. You may need antibiotics. Mild cases can be treated with rest and dietary changes, but more severe cases may need surgery. 

12. Gallstones 

Gallstones are small stones, usually of cholesterol, that form in the gallbladder. 

You may have no symptoms and not even need treatment. But, if a gallstone becomes trapped in a duct in your gallbladder, you may feel symptoms like: 

• Stomach pain in the center or upper right of your abdomen 
• Back or right shoulder pain 
• Nause
• Vomiting 

The fix: Speak to a doctor. They may prescribe medication to dissolve your gallstones or recommend surgery to remove your gallbladder. 

13. Food Poisoning 

You can get food poisoning from eating contaminated food. It usually goes away on its own within a few hours or days. 

Symptoms of food poisoning include: 

• Stomach pain
• Cramps  
• Diarrhea 
• Vomiting 

The fix: Unfortunately, you’ll have to ride out the illness. Keep hydrated, eat small meals of bland foods, and rest as much as possible. Get medical advice if your symptoms don’t improve after a few days, you’re pregnant, over 60, have an underlying serious condition, or it’s your child who’s sick. 

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How to Stop Stomach Pain in the Morning?

Apart from treating the root cause (see our fixes above), here’s what you can do to reduce stomach pain in the morning. 

1. Lower Your Sleep Debt 

The RISE app can tell you how much sleep debt you have.

Sleep debt is the name for the amount of sleep you owe your body. It’s compared to your sleep need, the genetically determined amount of sleep you need. 

When you don’t meet your sleep need at night, you start building up sleep debt, and this can lead to low energy levels, poor mood, and many mental and physical health conditions — including those that could be causing your stomach pain.  

Poor sleep has been linked to a number of causes of stomach pain including: 

• Upper and lower GI symptoms 
• Upper abdominal pain 
• Reflux 
• Diarrhea
• Constipation 
• IBS 
• Low cortisol

To make matters worse, when you don’t get enough sleep, you feel pain more acutely. So, even if a lack of sleep isn’t behind your stomach pain, it could very well make it much harder to deal with. 

Plus, sleep deprivation can throw your hunger hormones out of whack, making you more likely to overeat and reach for unhealthier foods — both of which can contribute to digestive issues and stomach pain. You learn more about the link between sleep and what and how much you eat here.

Luckily, you can pay down the sleep debt you’ve built up. 

To lower your sleep debt, you can: 

• Take naps: Check RISE for the best time to do this. 
• Go to bed a little earlier. 
• Sleep in a little later: Keep this to an hour or two to avoid messing up your circadian rhythm (more on that soon). 
• Improve your sleep hygiene: Sleep hygiene can cut down the time it takes you to fall asleep and reduce how often you wake up during the night, helping you get more sleep overall. More on what to do soon.

The RISE app can work out how much sleep debt you have and keep track of it as you pay it back. We measure your sleep debt over your past 14 nights and recommend you keep it below five hours to feel your best. 

RISE users on iOS 1.202 and above can click here to view their sleep debt.

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2. Get in Sync with Your Circadian Rhythm

The RISE app can predict your circadian rhythm each day.

Your circadian rhythm is your body’s biological clock. When you’re out of sync with it, you can not only cause low energy and sleep problems, but a whole host of health issues — including in your digestive system, causing stomach pain. 

But you don’t just have one circadian rhythm to think about. You have one master clock in your brain that controls your sleep-wake cycle. And you have clocks in almost every other tissue and organ — these are called peripheral clocks. 

When your master clock, peripheral clocks, and the outside world are at odds, you can easily suffer from digestive issues like constipation, acid reflux, IBS, IBD, and even digestive cancers. 

Here’s how to get in sync: 

• Keep a consistent sleep schedule: Aim to go to bed and wake up at roughly the same times each day, even on your days off.  
• Eat meals at roughly the same times and during the day: Eating can change the timing of your circadian rhythm, so keep meals at roughly the same time and avoid eating when your body’s not expecting it (i.e. at night). Finish up your final meal two to three hours before bed to stop digestive issues from keeping you up. What you eat matters, too. We’ve covered the best foods for sleep here. 
• Go to bed during your Melatonin Window: This is what we call the roughly one-hour window of time when your body’s rate of melatonin production is at its highest. Melatonin is your body’s sleep hormone, so going to bed during this window can help you fall and stay asleep.

The RISE app predicts your circadian rhythm each day based on factors like your inferred light exposure and last night’s sleep times. You can then see when your body naturally wants to wake up, wind down for bed, and go to sleep, and sync up your sleep and meal times to it.  

RISE can also remind you when to have your final meal of the day and show you when your Melatonin Window will be. 

RISE users on iOS 1.202 and above can click here to see their circadian rhythm on the Energy screen.

3. Improve Your Sleep Hygiene 

The RISE app can remind you when to do 20+ sleep hygiene habits.

Sleep hygiene can help you both meet your sleep need each night and stay in sync, by helping you feel sleepy at bedtime and fall asleep at the right times. 

Here’s what to do: 

• Get bright light first thing: Morning light resets your circadian rhythm for the day. Aim for at least 10 minutes of light as soon as possible after waking up, and get 15 to 20 minutes if it’s overcast or you’re getting light through a window.
• Avoid light close to bedtime: As light suppresses melatonin, you want to avoid it in the run-up to bedtime. Dim the lights and put on blue-light blocking glasses 90 minutes before bed.  
• Avoid caffeine, large meals, intense exercise, and alcohol too late in the day: All four can keep you up or wake you up during the night. These things may also be a trigger making stomach pain worse if you have indigestion, acid reflux,  IBS, or GERD. 
• Do a calming bedtime routine: Lower your stress (another trigger for issues causing stomach pain) and slow your brain and body down for sleep. Try reading, listening to music, or doing yoga. We cover how to relax before bed, even when you’re stressed, here.
• Keep your bedroom dark, cool, and quiet: Set your thermostat to 65 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, use blackout curtains, and wear earplugs and an eye mask. 

To remember it all, the RISE app can guide you through 20+ sleep hygiene habits each day and tell you the ideal time to do each one based on your circadian rhythm to make them more effective.

RISE users on iOS 1.202 and above can click here to set up their 20+ in-app habit notifications.

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How to Fall Back to Sleep When Your Stomach Hurts?

Woken up before your alarm with stomach pain? Here’s how you can get back to sleep to get some more shut-eye: 

• Treat the pain: If pain has woken you up, try grabbing a hot water bottle or heat pad, doing some gentle stretches, or abdominal massage. 
• Keep the lights low: Light suppresses melatonin, so keep the lights as low as possible if you get up during the night. 
• Do a sleep reset: If you find yourself awake in bed for more than 20 minutes, get up and do a relaxing activity until you feel sleepy. Try reading, meditating, or journaling. This will stop your brain from associating your bed with wakefulness.  
• Keep calm: Easier said than done, but anxiety over pain or lost sleep will only make it harder to drift back off. As much as you can, try to remain calm. Avoid looking at the time and counting down the hours until you need to get up. RISE can guide you through science-backed relaxation techniques to help slow your mind. 
• Sleep on your side: If you’re a front sleeper, try switching your position to avoid putting weight on your stomach when it’s in pain. Left-side sleeping has been shown to help those with GERD. We’ve covered the best side to sleep on here and the best sleeping positions to lose weight here.
• Maintain excellent sleep hygiene: To stop anything like caffeine or alcohol from waking you up in the future, keep your sleep hygiene on point each day. 

RISE users on iOS 1.202 and above can click here to go right to their relaxation audio guide homepage and get started.

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What Causes Stomach Pain at Night?

Going to bed with stomach pain or waking up with it in the middle of the night? Many of the causes of stomach pain in the morning are the same as nighttime stomach pain.

These include: 

• Indigestion 
• IBS 
• IBD 
• Constipation 
• Acid reflux and GERD 
• Food allergies 
• Pancreatitis 
• Peptic ulcer
• Period pain
• Diverticulitis 
• Gallstones 
• Gastritis 

Your stomach pain may feel worse at night as you’re laying down, which makes it easier for stomach acid to rise into your esophagus, for example. Pain may be worse after a large meal, and you may have just eaten dinner close to bedtime. Pain may also feel worse because you have no distractions like work or family when you’re laying in bed. 

Speak to a doctor if stomach pain at night is a regular occurrence for you. 

Waking up with stomach pain can be a scary experience, or you may be worrying as battling pain has become a regular part of your morning routine. But when does stomach pain in the morning go from harmless to something serious? 

Most of the time, stomach pain is harmless and will go away on its own. But you should seek medical help for stomach pain if it’s a regular occurrence or if severe pain has woken you up from sleep. 

Soothe Morning Stomach Pain the Night Before 

There are many causes of morning stomach pain, ranging from food allergies and indigestion to acid reflux and IBS. Speak to a doctor if you regularly wake up with stomach pain or if it’s severe enough to wake you up in your sleep.  

For other times, focus on lowering your sleep debt and syncing up with your circadian rhythm to keep your digestive health in tip-top condition. Maintain excellent sleep hygiene to help make this happen. 

The RISE app can work out how much sleep debt you have, predict your circadian rhythm each day, and remind you when to do 20+ sleep hygiene habits. All this will help you get a good night’s sleep, improving your overall health and wellness and, hopefully, leading to pain-free mornings. 

Causes and when to see a doctor

Share on PinterestAcid reflux and GERD are possible causes of stomach pain in the morning.

The following are some of the more common causes of stomach pain in the morning:

1. Acid reflux and GERD

Acid reflux is a condition where acid and other stomach contents flow the wrong way, moving back into the esophagus. This may cause a burning sensation in the back of the mouth.

The most common acid reflux symptom is heartburn, which affects about 60 million people in the United States at least once a month, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Someone who has more than two episodes a week may have a condition known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause complications if not treated.

People with acid reflux may feel pain in their stomachs, usually in the middle of the abdomen.

2. Gastritis

Gastritis, or an inflammation of the stomach lining, can develop all of a sudden or slowly over time. Pain in the upper abdomen is a common symptom of this condition, as are nausea and feeling full.

3. Gastroenteritis

Sometimes described as stomach flu, gastroenteritis is a viral or bacterial infection that targets the stomach and bowels. It causes stomach pain and diarrhea.

4. Stomach ulcers

Also known as peptic ulcers, stomach ulcers can cause dull, burning stomach pain in the morning or other times. Peptic ulcers are sores in the stomach lining and the lining of the small intestine closest to the stomach.

5. Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an inflammation of the appendix. It is a common cause of severe and sudden stomach pain that starts around the navel and moves lower. The pain usually gets worse with time. Other symptoms may include nausea and fever. Appendicitis often requires surgery,

6. Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation anywhere along the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. This inflammation can cause cramping and stomach pain. Diarrhea, constipation, weight loss, and fatigue are other symptoms of this chronic disease.

7. Indigestion

Dyspepsia is the medical term for indigestion. Lifestyle choices, such as the type of food a person eats, can cause it, but it can also be related to certain diseases. Stomach pain is the most common symptom associated with indigestion, although people may also suffer from nausea and bloating and get full quickly when they eat.

8. Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that can cause stomach pain, as well as changes in bowel habits. People with IBS may experience frequent constipation and diarrhea, or alternate between the two. They may also feel bloated and have incomplete bowel movements.

9. Abdominal adhesions

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 9 out of 10 people who have open-abdomen surgery develop adhesions, or scar tissue that causes organs to stick to each other and the abdominal wall.

Most people with adhesions do not develop complications, but in those that do, chronic stomach pain is common. Other symptoms include bloating, constipation, and nausea.

10. Food allergies

Stomach pain is a common symptom of food allergies, which affects 4 –6% of children and 4% of adults. Other symptoms include nausea, hives, and potentially fatal anaphylaxis, which interferes with breathing and causes blood pressure drops.

11. Constipation

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) define constipation as three or fewer bowel movements a week, which may be difficult or painful and feel incomplete. People with constipation may also develop stomach pain. Individuals can usually treat constipation on their own, but if it becomes chronic or other symptoms, such as bleeding or fever develop, see a doctor.

12. Diverticular disease

Diverticular disease, or diverticulosis, affects roughly half the people over age 60. It occurs as segments of the colon bulge outward in pouches. Usually, the pouches do not cause any problems, but if they get infected or inflamed, symptoms may develop. This is known as diverticulitis. People may experience stomach pain (typically on the left side), fever, nausea, and more severe complications.

13. Pelvic inflammatory disease

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection that affects a person’s ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, and cervix. According to the Office on Women’s Health, about 5% of women in the U.S. have PID, and it is most common in women aged 15-24.

The most common symptom is a pain in the lower abdomen. Other symptoms include fever, unusual vaginal discharge, and pain when having sex or urinating. It can cause severe complications if not treated promptly.

14. Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes people’s immune systems to attack their small intestines when they eat anything containing gluten. Wheat, rye, barley, and many other products contain gluten. Symptoms vary, but stomach pain and diarrhea are common.

15. Gallbladder disease

Problems with the gallbladder can cause stomach pain, often in the upper right portion of the abdomen. The pain can come and go for people who have biliary colic. If gallstones are present and blocking ducts in the gallbladder, other symptoms develop, too, such as nausea, vomiting, dark urine, jaundice, and dropping blood pressure.

16. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis develops when the pancreas becomes inflamed, often because of gallstones. Common symptoms include sudden and severe pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and vomiting. Medical treatment is necessary.

Many different health issues can cause stomach pain in the morning. While some conditions may resolve on their own, others will require immediate treatment. When considering medical attention, things to consider include:

• Severity: If the pain is so bad that the individual cannot stand up, seek medical help immediately. Early symptoms of appendicitis can include pain in the abdomen.
• Duration: The longer an individual has stomach pain in the morning, the more important it is to seek medical treatment.
• Age: Severe stomach pain in younger people could indicate appendicitis. In older people, it may suggest gall bladder problems. Both conditions require prompt medical treatment.
• Speed of onset: Sudden stomach pain is a potential symptom of appendicitis, especially if the pain is getting worse.
• Other symptoms: People with appendicitis may develop a fever along with abdominal pain. Stomach pain alongside nausea can suggest a blockage or other serious condition. Bleeding from the rectum is a possible sign of conditions that require prompt medical treatment.

Many different conditions and diseases can cause stomach pain in the morning.

Most often, people can recover on their own, with self-care. However, this sort of pain is sometimes a symptom of severe health problems that require immediate medical attention.

For persistent, severe stomach pain in the morning alongside other symptoms, speak to a doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Why does my stomach hurt in the morning on an empty stomach and how to deal with it?

Does your stomach hurt in the morning on an empty stomach? Find out the possible causes and ways to alleviate this unpleasant condition. The article discusses the main factors that can cause abdominal pain during hunger, and also offers tips to improve well-being and relieve pain.

Abdominal pain in the morning on an empty stomach is a common problem faced by many people. This unpleasant sensation can be caused by various reasons, from simple hunger to serious illnesses. To understand why pain occurs and how to cope with it, the correct diagnosis and the establishment of the causes of its occurrence will help.

One of the most common causes of stomach pain in the morning is hunger. When the stomach is empty, the acidity of its environment increases, which can cause irritation of the mucous membrane and a feeling of discomfort. Often such pain disappears after eating and saturating the stomach.

In addition, abdominal pain in the morning can be associated with various diseases. For example, a stomach or duodenal ulcer, chronic gastritis, pancreatitis, cholecystitis and others. If the pain occurs regularly or is accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, heartburn, changes in appetite, or irregular stools, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Why does my stomach hurt in the morning?

Abdominal pain in the morning can be caused by several reasons. One of them is an empty stomach. When we sleep, our body continues to function and the stomach continues to produce gastric juice. If we don’t eat in the morning, the stomach acid starts to irritate the walls of the stomach, which can cause pain and discomfort.

Another cause of abdominal pain in the morning can be irritable bowel syndrome. In some people, morning abdominal pain may be associated with changes in intestinal motility, which leads to disruption of its functions and the appearance of pain.

Also, morning abdominal pain may be due to a food intolerance or allergy to certain foods. If in the morning we eat food to which we have an intolerance or allergy, this can cause inflammation and pain in the stomach.

To cope with stomach pain in the morning, it is recommended to eat small meals and regularly to avoid a hungry stomach. It is also helpful to eliminate foods to which you have intolerances or allergies. If abdominal pain persists or worsens, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

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Digestive disorders

Digestive disorders are conditions in which the process of digestion in the body is disturbed and accompanied by various symptoms.

One of the most common problems of the digestive system is dyspepsia. It manifests itself in the form of a feeling of heaviness and discomfort in the abdomen, heartburn, belching and stool disorders. Dyspepsia can be caused by a variety of things, including poor diet, stress, alcohol, and certain medications.

Another digestive disorder is irritable bowel syndrome. It is characterized by pain in the abdomen, frequent diarrhea or constipation, and bloating. The causes of irritable bowel syndrome are not fully known, but it is believed that stress, poor diet, and changes in the gut microflora can influence it.

One of the serious disorders of the digestive system is a stomach ulcer. It is characterized by the formation of an ulcer on the mucous membrane of the stomach or duodenum. Symptoms of stomach ulcers include epigastric pain and burning, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, and loss of appetite. Often stomach ulcers are caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, as well as malnutrition and the use of certain medications.

Digestive disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor diet, stress, infections, and genetic predisposition. To cope with these problems, it is recommended to monitor your diet, avoid stressful situations, drink enough water and be physically active. In case of severe symptoms, you should consult a doctor for qualified assistance and diagnosis.

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Gastritis

Gastritis is an inflammatory disease of the gastric mucosa. It can be caused by various factors such as poor diet, stress, infections, or alcohol use.

One of the main causes of gastritis is the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, which can enter the stomach through the digestive system and cause inflammation. This can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

For the treatment of gastritis, it is recommended to follow a special diet that excludes spicy, fatty and acidic foods. It is also important to avoid stressful situations and drinking alcohol. Your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce stomach acid and kill Helicobacter pylori bacteria.

Some folk remedies, such as chamomile or peppermint tea, can be used to relieve the symptoms of gastritis to help reduce inflammation and relieve stomach pain. It is also recommended to eat small meals and not eat before bed.

It is important to remember that self-treatment of gastritis can lead to complications, so when symptoms appear, a doctor should be consulted for a correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Gastric ulcer

Gastric ulcer is a chronic disease characterized by the formation of an ulcer on the gastric mucosa. The main causes of gastric ulcers are Helicobacter pylori infection, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), stress, malnutrition and metabolic disorders.

Symptoms of a stomach ulcer may include: epigastric pain, ie in the stomach, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, blood in the stool or vomiting. Stomach ulcer pain usually occurs on an empty stomach or a few hours after eating. Also, the pain may worsen at night or after drinking alcohol, spicy, smoked or fatty foods.

To diagnose a stomach ulcer, your doctor may order tests such as a gastroscopy, a barium X-ray of the stomach, and a blood test to check for Helicobacter pylori infection. Treatment for stomach ulcers includes antibiotics to kill the infection, drugs to reduce stomach acid, and taking steps to reduce stress and eat healthy foods.

To prevent exacerbations of gastric ulcers, it is recommended to avoid spicy, smoked and fatty foods, eat small meals, eat regularly, avoid stressful situations, stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease of the pancreas that can cause abdominal pain, especially on an empty stomach. The pancreas plays an important role in digestion by producing the enzymes needed to break down food. When the pancreas is inflamed, it can produce these enzymes within the pancreas itself, causing pain.

The main symptoms of pancreatitis include acute pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, and general weakness. The pain may increase after eating or when hungry, so many patients complain of abdominal pain in the morning on an empty stomach.

To manage the pain of pancreatitis, a diet that avoids spicy, fatty, and fried foods is recommended. Instead, it is recommended to consume easily digestible foods such as vegetables, fruits, cereals and low-fat dairy products. It is also important to drink enough fluids and avoid alcohol.

In case of severe abdominal pain or signs of exacerbation of pancreatitis, it is necessary to consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In some cases, hospitalization and medical therapy or surgery may be required.

Heartburn

Heartburn is a burning sensation and discomfort in the chest area caused by leakage of stomach contents back into the esophagus. It can occur after meals or on an empty stomach, especially in the morning.

Above all, avoid foods that promote heartburn, such as spicy and fatty foods, alcohol, caffeine, and chocolate. Eating small meals regularly can help prevent heartburn on an empty stomach as it helps maintain normal levels of stomach acid.

To relieve heartburn on an empty stomach, you can try the following methods:

• Drink a glass of warm water with lemon juice on an empty stomach. Lemon juice helps neutralize excess acidity in the stomach.
• Take a small amount of yogurt or kefir on an empty stomach. The probiotics in them can help restore balance in the stomach and reduce heartburn.
• Prepare a decoction of flax. Flaxseed mucous decoction forms a protective film on the mucous membrane of the esophagus, reducing irritation and heartburn.

If fasting heartburn persists or occurs regularly, a doctor should be consulted for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In some cases, you may need to take drugs that reduce the acidity of the stomach or strengthen the lower esophageal sphincter.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract without visible structural changes. It presents with a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea or constipation, bloating, and changes in stool.

IBS is a common condition that often occurs in young and middle-aged people. Its causes are not fully understood, but it is thought to be influenced by factors such as stress, food intolerances, changes in the bacterial flora of the gut, and intestinal motility disorders.

The diagnosis of IBS is based on clinical symptoms and the exclusion of other possible causes of abdominal pain. Treatment for this condition usually includes dietary changes, stress management, probiotics, and medications to relieve symptoms. In some cases, medication may be required to improve bowel function.

Although IBS is a chronic condition, most patients manage it well and can lead normal lives. It is important to see a doctor for a diagnosis and development of a personalized treatment plan that will help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Food allergy

A food allergy is a reaction of the body’s immune system to certain foods. It can present with a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

One of the most common forms of food allergy is dairy allergy. It often occurs in children, their immune system reacts to the proteins contained in dairy products. Symptoms of a dairy allergy may include abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Another common form of food allergy is gluten allergy. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. In people who are allergic to gluten, the immune system reacts to this protein, which can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, and other symptoms.

If you suspect a food allergy, it is important to see a doctor to diagnose and identify the specific foods causing the allergic reaction. Your doctor may recommend tests, such as skin tests or blood tests, to make an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment of food allergies involves avoiding the food causing the allergic reaction. In some cases, with severe allergies, medications may be prescribed to relieve symptoms.

Ways to manage stomach pain

Stomach pain on an empty stomach can be caused by various causes such as gastritis, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome and other diseases. To manage pain, you can try the following ways:

1. Drink warm water with lemon juice: this can help relieve cramps and improve digestion.
2. Apply a hot heating pad: heat will help relax the abdominal muscles and reduce pain.
3. Take herbal tea: Some herbs, such as mint, have calming properties and can help relieve stomach pain.
4. Avoid heavy and fatty foods: these foods can cause additional stomach irritation and increase pain.
5. Do light exercise: this can help stimulate digestion and relieve abdominal tension.
6. Take an anti-spasmodic: Your doctor may recommend medication to help relieve spasms and improve your condition.

It is important to remember that if abdominal pain on an empty stomach becomes regular or is accompanied by other symptoms, such as vomiting or blood in the stool, a doctor should be consulted to diagnose and treat the underlying condition.

Q&A:

Why does my stomach hurt in the morning on an empty stomach?

Abdominal pain in the morning on an empty stomach can be caused by several reasons. First, it may be the result of excess stomach acid, which causes irritation of the mucous membrane. Secondly, the cause may be gastritis, which is manifested by abdominal pain on an empty stomach. Also, abdominal pain in the morning can be associated with a stomach or duodenal ulcer. In any case, if abdominal pain occurs regularly, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

How to deal with stomach pain in the morning on an empty stomach?

If your stomach hurts in the morning on an empty stomach, there are several ways to deal with it. First, you can try to eat a small amount of food, such as a couple of cookies or a banana. This will help reduce the acidity of the stomach and reduce irritation of the mucous membrane. It is also recommended to avoid spicy, fatty and acidic foods that can aggravate symptoms. If abdominal pain does not go away or occurs regularly, you should consult a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What foods should be avoided for stomach pain in the morning on an empty stomach?

If you have stomach pain in the morning on an empty stomach, it is recommended to avoid spicy, fatty and acidic foods. Spicy foods can irritate the stomach lining, causing pain. Fatty foods can make symptoms worse, as they can slow down the process of digesting food. Acidic foods can also increase the acidity of the stomach and irritate the mucous membranes. Therefore, it is recommended to abandon such products and prefer light, low-fat foods.

Why does my stomach hurt in the morning? The gastroenterologist named 10 possible reasons

• Health

If the morning is not good at all due to sharp, pulling, or aching pains in the stomach, this is always an alarming sign. Nausea, lack of appetite, weakness – all these signs should be the reason for a visit to the doctor.

April 5, 2023

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Pain in the upper abdomen is most often associated with diseases of the stomach, but do not forget that discomfort in this area can also be associated with nearby organs. Moreover, pain can come from other areas along the nerve endings – this is the so-called irradiation of pain .

Therefore, self-diagnosis and self-treatment can be not only ineffective, but also dangerous. Ekaterina Pustovit, general practitioner, gastroenterologist at the ABIA clinic, told Doctor Peter about the causes of pain in more detail.

Not only pain, but also other complaints

Pain in this area can be acute, occurring suddenly against the background of complete health, and chronic, disturbing for a long time. It may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. But what are the reasons?

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1. Stomach

Pain in the stomach can be associated with organic and functional problems of the organ. The first thing most often suspected is gastritis. We all remember very well that gastritis is a morphological diagnosis and may not give any symptoms at all. Nevertheless, a far-reaching inflammatory process can be the first cause of pain.

Gastritis can occur in acute and chronic form . In the case of chronic inflammation, pain will occur only during periods of exacerbations when provoked by irregular and malnutrition, stress, taking certain groups of drugs and alcohol abuse.

2. Erosions and ulcers

Erosive and ulcerative processes on the gastric mucosa will give night and early morning (fasting) pain. The disease is serious and requires immediate contact with a specialized specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

3. Helicobacter pylori infection

Inflammatory processes in the stomach are often associated with Helicobacter pylori infection. It is a spiral gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the lining of the stomach and duodenum. It can be present in a person without giving any symptoms. When infected with highly pathogenic strains mucosal damage occurs up to erosive-ulcerative and other processes.

Given that this infection is associated not only with gastritis, erosions and stomach ulcers, but also with increased risks of adenocarcinoma and other cancers, it is better to diagnose this infection at the first symptoms and treat it according to the recommended therapy regimens.

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4. Dyspepsia

Often the cause of pain is a violation of the sensitivity of nerve endings in the gastric mucosa – this is the so-called functional dyspepsia (epigastric pain syndrome associated or not with the above infection). Functional diseases of the digestive system is a group of disorders characterized by violation of the interaction between the central (brain) and peripheral links of the nervous system , which ensures the activity of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT).

The diagnosis of FZOP is a diagnosis of exclusion, therefore, to identify organic pathology, it is necessary to conduct a thorough examination – laboratory and instrumental. Epigastric pain syndrome is based on increased perception of the pain signal by the cerebral cortex . Pain is provoked and significantly increased under the influence of numerous factors associated with a violation of the emotional state.

5. Drug overdose

Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for example, for frequent headaches or joint pain) can lead to irritation and inflammation of the gastric mucosa. As a result, pain occurs.

6. Biliary tract

Pathology of the biliary tract (dyskinesia) and incompetence of the pyloric sphincter will lead to bile entering the stomach, irritating it and provoking various dyspeptic symptoms – nausea, satiety in small portions and pain.

7. Pancreas

Pain in the stomach can be simulated by the pathology of the pancreas and gallbladder due to their close anatomical location and close functional connection.

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8. Tumor of the stomach

Neoplasms of the stomach, benign and malignant, will also give pain. Benign ones are limited in size, do not grow into deep layers, do not affect vessels and do not metastasize . The danger of benign neoplasms is that they are can become malignant during their growth.

Neoplasms often cause persistent pain and are accompanied by general symptoms: headache, weakness, weight loss, nausea, poor appetite, satiety in small portions. Benign tumors may not make themselves felt for a long time due to functionally insignificant size, but as they grow, symptoms will increase, up to pain.

9. Wrong way of life

Stomach pain can be triggered by lifestyle. So, sleepless nights, a heavy dinner, smoking on an empty stomach, alcohol and excessive coffee consumption can provoke pain in the stomach.

10. Passion for a healthy lifestyle

Representatives of a healthy lifestyle can also do themselves a disservice by dramatically changing their diet and increasing the amount of raw vegetables, fruits and herbs. This will stimulate GI motility and may cause pain. Multiple repetitions of abdominal exercises can also simulate epigastric pain.

Non-obvious causes

Separately, we highlight several non-obvious causes of pain in the upper abdomen.

1. Spasm of the diaphragm will increase in a certain position of the body.

2. Colitis , especially inflammation in the region of the transverse colon.