Why Does My Stomach Hurt When I Wake Up: 6 Common Reasons

Waking up in an unpleasant condition spoils the mood for the day. Your morning discomfort may make you wonder why it happened. 

If it goes away after some time, it is fortunate, but if it stays with you for the whole day, it is a cause for worry. If severe stomach pain persists in the morning, we should take some necessary steps. 

There are some potential reasons for stomach pain in the morning; look below to find out.

1. Stomach Ulcers

The most common symptom is a stomach ulcer, a sore feeling that develops in the stomach lining. That causes the symptoms and creates a burning or dull pain in the mid-abdomen, the space between the chest and belly button.

Stomach ulcers will occur when a thick layer of mucus protects the stomach and reduces the digestive juices. Thus, the thick mucus layer usually protects us when these digestive acids flow. Still, when the digestive juices are less in quantity, digestive acids allow the corrosion of the tissues lined in the stomach, which will cause ulcers.

The pain can usually happen at any time, but it primarily creates discomfort in the morning since we will be on an empty stomach.

An acid blocker can reduce signs but needs a doctor’s consultation if symptoms worsen or persist. Emergency surgery is sometimes required if an ulcer creates a hole in the abdominal wall.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

The Large intestine is affected by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This can create pain in the abdomen’s lower left or right side. There are some other symptoms of IBS, including.

• Bloating
• The stool will have mucus
• Excessive gas
• Constipation

However, IBS will be triggered by particular food and mental instability; unfortunately, when we experience these symptoms, they are worse in the morning.

Its only solution is to have lifestyle habits to improve symptoms. Apart from that, there is no cure for IBS. Avoid some triggering foods like dairy, fried or fatty foods, and carbonated drinks.

Lifestyle habit changes like:

• Practicing stress management
• Regular exercise
• Intake of Fiber supplements or anti-diarrheal medication.

3. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease

Pelvic pain can occur anytime in the day, but some women feel pain in the morning.

These female reproductive organs with infection can cause:

• Vaginal discharge
• Fever
• Painful urination or intercourse
• Lower pelvic pain

In case of any stomach pain, fever, or foul vaginal discharge, see a doctor since the bacteria will cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, and you need antibiotics for the cure.

4. Food Poisoning

The most common reason is food poisoning; they will experience vomiting, abdominal pain, or even diarrhea. These symptoms will show within a few hours after eating contaminated foods.

5. Constipation

 In case of irregular activity, it can lead to gas formation in the intestinal tract that will cause a bad cramping sensation in the lower abdominal pain in the morning, which will continue for days.

A sedentary lifestyle can create and trigger constipation. Improved physical activity may provide relief and naturally stimulate intestinal contractions.

In addition, a stool softener or fiber supplement and improved food habits, such as the intake of fruits and vegetables, may improve symptoms. If you have constipation symptoms that have lasted more than two weeks, suggest seeing the doctor for a consultation.

6. Gastritis

Pain and discomfort in the abdomen will lead to symptoms of loss of appetite and black stool, which are gastrointestinal issues.

To avoid this problem, avoid fried and spicy foods, caffeine, heavy meals, stress, and alcohol.

What Are The Causes of Stomach Pain At Night?

1. Gallstones 

Hard deposits of digestive fluid in the gallbladder cause gallstones. Some people don’t show symptoms, and some will have intense pain in the middle and upper abdomen.

It also creates pain that radiates in the right shoulder and blade. A doctor consultation is necessary for that stage due to abdominal pain.

They will provide medical attention since they dissolve the gallstones. There may be a need for surgery in case of removal of the gallbladder if it doesn’t see any improvement because it will get worse with time.

2. Indigestion

Pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, and bloating are the symptoms of indigestion. This can also have the next level of conditions like acid reflux, gallbladder disease, and ulcers.

This can happen after eating food that causes stomach pain in the morning and after breakfast. If you have black stools and vomiting, you should consult a doctor. Exercise, having minimum meals, and stress management can improve the diagnosis.

3. Food Allergies

Why does my stomach hurt when I wake up? The underlying cause could also be food allergies. Some foods will create allergies; they will experience stomach aches, for instance, food items like; 

• shellfish
• wheat
• garlic
• dairy and
• nuts

The above foods have been typically allergic food items for many people. These types of foods can create some issues and symptoms, such as,

• vomiting
• hives
• wheezing
• nausea
• dizziness and
• stomach cramps

4. Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease where gluten causes minor intestine inflammation. This can be the reason why my stomach hurts when I wake up. The other symptoms are

• bloating
• anemia
• gas
• diarrhea

It is hard to find out which food triggers the food allergy symptoms and then treat them because allergies will create anaphylaxis.

This is life-threatening and may cause breathing difficulties and also create a drop in blood pressure.

5. Diverticular Disease

It is a disease affecting a bulging pouch of tissues that develops and lines in the digestive system. Additionally, it will create some other symptoms, including stomach pain;

• Fever
• Upset stomach
• Nausea
• Bowel habits changes

6. Gas

The most common problem we get is gas; we also know the symptoms. Abdomen pain is one of the common symptoms. 

Takeaways

Following a good food lifestyle, knowing the causes of food allergies, and abdomen health care will help eliminate stomach pain. Please go for regular check-ups in case of previous abdomen health issues and to stop upcoming health issues.

Last Updated on March 7, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology