Possible Causes Of Upset Stomach Every Morning
1. Morning Sickness
For women in the early stages of pregnancy, upset stomachs can strike any time during the day, but the stomach issues usually occur first thing in the morning. The morning sickness typically doesn’t pose any risk to the pregnancy, and although the nausea is annoying and uncomfortable, the most common symptom is vomiting. The good news is that after the first trimester, the symptoms usually pass. Discuss with your health care provider the severity and frequency of the symptoms to make sure you do not develop other complications or become anemic.
2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a chronic disorder that causes food to move too quickly through the digestive track. Normally, IBS doesn’t create any lasting damage in your colon however, it can cause early morning stomach issues and diarrhea. Any change in routines or added stress can cause IBS symptoms to appear more frequently. Restless sleep has also been known to aggravate IBS symptoms first thing in the morning. Other symptoms may include abdominal cramps, gas, bloating, and watery diarrhea. Thankfully, a high fiber diet and a relaxing period before bedtime can help prevent these issues.
3. Gastritis
4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
5. Pancreatitis
6. Cholecystitis
7. Peptic Ulcers
8. Dehydration
What Can Be The Underlying Causes Of Constant Stomach Pain In Adults
Often the cause of the persistent stomach pain is not much serious and proper lifestyle change can be beneficial. Some of the causes involve-
Irritable Bowel Syndrome This is the most common condition and often the prime reason of constant stomach pain experienced by people. Feelings of bloating accompanied by constipation or diarrhea are seen to be often associated. Such type of stomach pain usually goes away when the bowel movements get clear.
Urinary Tract Infection – In case of inadequate consumption of water and liquids essential for proper flushing of toxins from the body, urinary tract infection can occur. They keep returning in case proper hygiene is not maintained. An individual with UTI can have recurrent and constant pain in the abdomen due to this accompanied by burning sensation while urinating.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory bowel disease is a condition where the digestive system undergoes inflammation while the person is left with a persistent/ constant stomach pain. Such a condition leads to soreness of the intestine and the rectum.
Menstrual Cramps Women undergoing menstruation can have severe muscular pain in the lower abdomen. Such pain is persistent and stays on for two to three days.
Constipation Sometimes, due to irregular food habits and unhealthy lifestyle, there can be constant stomach pain due to difficulty experienced in bowel movements. Stool hardens due to lack of hydration which can lead to the persistent stomach pain.
Bloody Bowel Movements Or Blood On Toilet Paper
There is nothing scarier than going to the bathroom and seeing blood in the toilet or on the toilet paper. Bloody bowel movements or blood on toilet paper can be caused by several things, including anal fissures , hemorrhoids , and other GI conditions, including IBD. If you are experiencing blood with bowel movements, you should schedule a visit to a gastroenterologist.
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What To Do If Youre Experiencing Chronic Stomach Pain Or Diarrhea
Stomach pain and diarrhea are often short-lived and require no special treatment.
However, there is a long list of medical conditions and medications that can cause GI symptoms to last for weeks.
These include infections, inflammatory or autoimmune conditions, food sensitivities or allergies, diabetes, cancer, liver disease, stress and anxiety, and medications like NSAIDs and antibiotics.
Because there are many different reasons for chronic stomach pain and diarrhea, its important to check with a healthcare provider to detect an underlying cause.
Knowing the root of your symptoms will lead to an effective treatment and some much needed relief.
About Joe Leech, Dietitian
Joe Leech is a university-qualified dietitian from Australia.
He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in exercise science, followed by a Master’s degree in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2011.
Learn more about him on the About page.
Joe Leech, Dietitian
Recent Posts
Inflammatory And Autoimmune Conditions
Autoimmune conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease are recognized causes of chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Crohns disease and ulcerative colitis are both chronic IBD conditions in which the lining of the digestive tract becomes inflamed.
Crohns disease can affect the GI tract from the mouth to the rectum, while UC primarily impacts the large bowel. Abdominal pain and diarrhea can result .
In celiac disease, another autoimmune condition, gut inflammation occurs from an immune response against gluten, a protein found in some grains.
The bodys immune cells not only attack the invading protein but also the small intestine. This can lead to an inflamed bowel that cant properly absorb nutrients, as well as abdominal pain and diarrhea .
Chronic pancreatitis, often caused by alcohol abuse, can also lead to recurrent and severe abdominal pain and malabsorption-related diarrhea .
Summary: Celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases, like Crohns and ulcerative colitis, often cause chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain. Inflammation of the pancreas can also result in similar symptoms.
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What Causes Stomach Cramps And Diarrhea
In many cases, the underlying causes of diarrhea and abdominal pain are caused by a bacterial or viral infection, or from a reaction to food. In the majority of these cases, the stomach cramps will simply go away on their own. Even the stomach flu, in most cases, doesnt require any treatment other than the wait it out method.
Its estimated that roughly 20 percent of Americans have food sensitivity issues, which can have a sudden onset at any time. Rich and fat-laden foods can cause stomach upset, as well as indigestion from overeating. In the case of food sensitivities, many physicians recommend elimination diets to help isolate the food that are causing the gastrointestinal disturbance. In an elimination diet, you remove many different foods and food groups from your diet, reintroducing them one by one until the culprit is found. For example, for those with celiac disease, foods with gluten cause the stomach upset. When it comes to overeating, portion control is advised. Eating smaller portions, chewing food thoroughly, and opting for high-fiber foods can help stamp out any upset, stomach cramps, and diarrhea.
How Is The Cause Of Abdominal Pain Diagnosed
Abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms seen by GPs .
Information about your symptoms and the location of the abdominal pain can help a doctor diagnose the cause of your pain. They will want to know how long you have had the pain and may want to do a physical examination. If you are female, this may include a pelvic examination. If you are male, it may include checking your penis and scrotum.
They may suggest you have some blood tests or other diagnostic procedures done, especially if you have had the symptoms for some time.
Tests and procedures that may help in diagnosing the cause of abdominal pain include:
Other procedures that may be suggested, depending on your gender, include:
- pregnancy test and/or pelvic ultrasound
- ultrasound of the scrotum
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Figuring Out The Cause
When youre suffering from stomach pain, diarrhea, or both, one of the most important things is to try to determine the root cause. Quite often, this type of abdominal pain is due to stomach flu or another virus, spoiled food, or food that one has developed a sensitivity to. Unless diarrhea and pain are accompanied by other severe symptoms, such as a high fever, the best course of action is to wait it out.
If you feel that it is a reaction to food, most times symptoms will subside in a day or two. However, there are some instances of food poisoning that definitely warrant a doctor visit but again, you will see other severe symptoms along with general GI upset.
If you think you may be having a reaction to food, such as those with celiac disease who have a sensitivity to gluten, its worthwhile to try an elimination diet to confine the source of the upset. It is possible to suddenly develop a food sensitivity later in life its also estimated that up to 20 percent of Americans have food sensitivity. Please note that celiac is a serious condition and ongoing exposure to gluten can cause increasing damage. Celiac should not be self-diagnosed.
How Can I Feel Better
Most bellyaches donât have a serious cause. They can happen for many different reasons, but most are easy to treat.
If stress or anxiety seem to be behind the pain, the doctor may recommend that you talk to a counselor or therapist. They help people figure out whatâs behind their stress and give advice on how to fix problems or handle them better.
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Beware Of Hidden Dairy In Packaged Foods
Lactose can hide in foods such as butter, baked goods, cereals, and processed foods that are battered, like chicken wings and chicken fingers.
You can also take lactase tablets before you eat or drink milk products or add lactase drops to milk before you drink it. The lactase breaks down the lactose in foods and drinks, reducing your chances of having lactose intolerance symptoms. However, young children and pregnant people may not be able to use lactase products. Check with your doctor before trying them.
Should I See A Doctor If I Get Stomach Pains When I Am Stressed
You should be seeing your primary care physician at least once a year, and you should tell them if you often have stomach pain or GI discomfort.
If your primary care physician identifies symptoms of a chronic GI condition or other warning signs, they may refer you to a gastroenterologist like myself. A gastroenterologist can help determine if your stomach pain or GI symptoms are related to stress, or due to another condition that requires different treatment.
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When Should I Call The Doctor
Sometimes, what seems like one problem food poisoning, for example can turn out to be something more serious, like appendicitis.
- the pain is very strong
- you’re vomiting a lot
- you already have another health condition
- the pain gets worse over time, doesn’t go away, or wakes you up from sleep
Also let the doctor know if you:
- have a fever
- have pain when you pee
- have trouble pooping or peeing
- have blood in your poop or pee
- think the belly pain is from an injury
- might be pregnant
What Causes Sudden And Severe Abdominal Pain
Sudden and severe abdominal pain should never be ignored. Steadily worsening abdominal pain may also be a sign of a serious condition.
If you have these symptoms, go immediately to your nearest hospital emergency department or call triple zero and ask for an ambulance.
Some of the causes of serious abdominal pain include:
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Why Do I Have Stomach Pain And Diarrhea
Abdominal pain and diarrhea can be all-too familiar, and nearly everybody will suffer from this combination at some point during their lifetime. But how do I know if my stomach pain is serious?
Having diarrhea with stomach pain is a common symptom of stomach flu. The good news is, the discomfort and pain usually disappear within a few days. However, there are other reasons you may have stomach cramps or diarrhea, and its important to know when to see a doctor and when to ride the symptoms out.
Read on to learn about the different possible causes of stomach pain and diarrhea, how to prevent some instances of it, and when to give your physician a call.
What Causes A Constant Upset Stomach
An upset stomach is characterized by inflammation, swelling of the stomach lining and intestines. Inflammation can be caused by food. YES! The food you are eating everyday can cause stomach inflammation and then a constant upset stomach to follow. This is because certain foods can cause an irritation to your stomach which then turns into inflammation and then a stomach ache.
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Sudden Stomach Cramps With Diarrhoea
If your stomach cramps have started recently and you also have diarrhoea, the cause may be a tummy bug . This means you have a viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and bowel. It should get better without treatment after a few days.
Gastroenteritis may be caused by:
- coming into close contact with someone who’s infected
- eating contaminated food
If you have repeated bouts of stomach cramps and diarrhoea, you may have a long-term condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome .
How Is Indigestion Treated
Most people find relief from indigestion by making diet changes or taking medication. Your healthcare provider may recommend a combination of both.
Diet changes include:
- Avoiding foods or drinks that trigger indigestion.
- Cutting down on alcohol, caffeine and carbonated drinks.
- Removing fatty, spicy or acidic foods from your diet.
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Urgent Advice: Speak To Your Gp As Soon As Possible If:
- you have severe abdominal pain, especially if it’s concentrated in one area
- the pain starts suddenly or unexpectedly
If your GP is closed, phone 111.
Serious causes of sudden severe abdominal pain include:
- appendicitis the swelling of the appendix means your appendix will need to be removed
- a bleeding or perforated stomach ulcer
- acute cholecystitis inflammation of the gallbladder, which may need to be removed
- kidney stones small stones may be passed out in your urine, but larger stones may block the kidney tubes, and you’ll need to go to hospital to have them broken up
- diverticulitis inflammation of the small pouches in the bowel that sometimes requires treatment with antibiotics in hospital
If your GP suspects you have one of these conditions, they may refer you to hospital immediately.
Sudden and severe pain in your abdomen can also sometimes be caused by an infection of the stomach and bowel . It may also be caused by a pulled muscle in your abdomen or by an injury.
Why Is My Stomach Upset
Wondering why your stomach is churning? There are many possible causes for your upset stomach. Here are the main culprits:
Food and drink
If your stomach is upset, it may be something you ate or drank. This may be due to:
- food poisoning: When food becomes contaminated with viruses, bacteria, or parasites, it can cause upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, or fever.
- overeating and drinking: If you eat or drink too much, you can get indigestion or an upset stomach.
- eating certain types of foods: Greasy, spicy, or fatty foods can sometimes cause indigestion or an upset stomach.
Lifestyle factors
Upset stomach can also be caused by lifestyle factors, such as:
- eating too fast or eating on the run
- emotional stress
- too much alcohol or caffeine
- travel
Medical reasons
Upset stomach is usually a mild problem that goes away on its own. But sometimes it can be a sign of a medical issue, such as GERD , ulcers, lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, an intestinal infection, and some types of cancer.
Upset stomach can also be a sign of pregnancy. If you think you might be pregnant, take a pregnancy test and check with your doctor before using any products to treat your upset stomach. Not all products are safe for pregnant women.
See your doctor if you notice any of the symptoms listed below under “What can I do about my upset stomach?”
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Stress And Stomach Pain: When Should You See A Specialist
Do you ever feel like theres a knot in your stomach when youre worried or stressed? Do nerves make you feel butterflies in your gut? If so, youre not alone.
As a gastroenterologist, a specialist in the treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and liver, I help patients determine if their stomach pain is stress-related or if their symptoms are caused by a more serious condition.
What Are The Types Of Chronic Gastritis
Several types of chronic gastritis exist, and they can have different causes:
- Type A is caused by your immune system destroying stomach cells. And it can increase your risk of vitamin deficiencies, anemia, and cancer.
- Type B, the most common type, is caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, and can cause stomach ulcers, intestinal ulcers, and cancer.
- Type C is caused by chemical irritants like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , alcohol, or bile. And it can also cause stomach lining erosion and bleeding.
Other types of gastritis include giant hypertrophic gastritis, which can be related to protein deficiencies. There is also eosinophilic gastritis, which can happen alongside other allergic conditions like asthma or eczema.
Chronic gastritis doesnt always result in symptoms. But people who do have symptoms often experience:
- upper abdominal pain
Your risk for chronic gastritis increases if your lifestyle and dietary habits activate changes in the stomach lining. It may be useful to avoid:
- high-fat diet
- smoking
Long-term consumption of alcohol can also lead to chronic gastritis.
A stressful lifestyle or a traumatic experience can also decrease your stomachs ability to protect itself. In addition, your risk increases if you have autoimmune diseases or certain illnesses like Crohns disease.
Get medical help right away if any of the following occur:
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms. A series of tests may also be necessary, including:
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