Waking up with a stomachache can be downright uncomfortable — and sometimes even a bit frightening. In most cases, it’s just a passing problem that resolves on its own. But in a few instances, morning stomach pain could be a sign of something more serious. Let’s explore some of the usual culprits and what you can do to get relief.
One of the most frequent causes of morning stomach pain is indigestion, or dyspepsia. This may occur at any time of day and is frequently accompanied by gas, diarrhea, bloating, belching, and feeling excessively full. Lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, consuming excessive amounts of alcohol or caffeine, eating rapidly, stress, and consuming spicy or fatty foods can all lead to indigestion. Some medications, such as antibiotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may also be responsible.
Another potential cause is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), which occurs in approximately 12% of individuals in the U.S. IBS results in chronic abdominal pain and alterations in bowel habits, such as bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Individuals who menstruate may find that their symptoms worsen near their period.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), which consists of Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, may also lead to morning belly pain. These diseases are characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and tend to be accompanied by symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and chronic diarrhea.
Peptic ulcers are another offender. They are ulcers that develop on the stomach lining or the beginning of the small intestine, known as the duodenum. They can produce a burning or aching pain, usually during meals or at night. Peptic ulcers are most often associated with NSAID use or Helicobacter pylori infections.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is another digestive issue that might cause morning discomfort. GERD happens when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to heartburn and upper abdominal pain. Other symptoms might include regurgitation, chest pain, nausea, and trouble swallowing.
Appendicitis, or inflammation of the appendix, may result in severe pain around the belly button that tends to localize to the lower right quadrant of the abdomen. It is a surgical emergency and requires rapid treatment to prevent severe complications.
Gallstones are another potential cause. These hard stones in the gallbladder can cause acute, severe pain in the upper right abdomen. You may also have nausea, vomiting, fever, or a yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice).
Occasionally, morning abdominal pain is not a physical issue but an emotional one. Stress and anxiety can trigger stomach pain since the digestive system is highly sensitive to our emotions. You may experience this type of pain when you’re dealing with a stressful situation.
Food intolerances and allergies can also result in stomach problems, including morning pain. Allergies are a response of the immune system, while intolerances relate to digestion. Both may lead to symptoms such as nausea, bloating, and diarrhea.
In most instances, morning stomach pain is not an issue to worry about and may be resolved by adopting a few simple changes in lifestyle, such as drinking plenty of water, consuming small meals, and refraining from foods that lead to gas. But if your pain is bad, doesn’t stop, or is accompanied by severe symptoms such as throwing up blood or having a high fever, you need to go see a doctor. They can determine what is happening and recommend the most appropriate treatment to make you feel better.
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