Why does my stomach hurt when I wake up? Am I pregnant? Do I have gas? Is it food poisoning? Or is it a part of my PMS?
There could be a ton of question that comes to your mind if waking up with stomach pain.
For some people, stomach pain is just a small discomfort that lasts a short time. At the same time, other people may have stomach pain that lasts all or most of their day. Thus, causing them to feel exhausted or miserable.
Regardless of what form it takes and how long it lasts, regular discomfort in the abdomen can lead to many health problems. This article will cover some of the most effective treatments and preventive steps to get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
Table of Contents
What is morning stomach pain
Morning stomach pain, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), results from acid contents of the stomach flowing back up into the esophagus.
A disease that many people experience, it can be a very uncomfortable and painful condition. With symptoms such as heartburn or burning sensation in the chest, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, it is not surprising that GERD has been found to increase the risk of developing diabetes.
However, in some cases, morning stomach pain is the first sign of a potentially serious condition called gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV). Although this condition is rare, it can be severe and life-threatening.
In most cases, treatment involves surgery to recover from GDV and protect the patient’s airway. The most common symptoms of GDV include severe abdominal pain, bloating, and nausea.
So, it is mandatory to figure out the root cause of the actual problem to choose the best treatment method. Because if left untreated, it can result in many serious health issues that we have discussed earlier.
But what are some of the major reasons that make you think, “why does my stomach hurt in the morning when I wake up early” or “why does my stomach hurt every day when I wake up every day and destroy your whole day? Let’s find out!
7 Reasons why you’re waking up with a stomach pain
The reasons why your stomach hurts in the morning can vary. The first step is to consult with a medical practitioner to examine your symptoms and obtain an accurate diagnosis of the pain.
But some possible causes aren’t as serious as cancer which you should also consider depending on your symptoms. However, if you are not facing any serious causes, you might get rid of them with simple methods.
Here are seven common causes of stomach pain, followed by the associated symptoms:
Sudden Pain or Heartburn
Sudden pain or heartburn is one of the most common causes of morning stomach pain. Likewise, it is possible to have sudden heartburn that doesn’t start with a meal. This can be caused by taking some medications that upset the stomach.
These include prescription drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other pain medications. If you experience sudden heartburn or pain, seek medical care immediately.
Acid Reflux (GERD)
If you regularly wake up with pain in your chest or stomach, it could be because of acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
You typically experience GERD when the stomach contents from your last meal “reflux” into the esophagus. If this happens too frequently and is too strong, you may experience symptoms like heartburn. Heartburn is a burning feeling in your chest and throat that can make you irritable and upset.
Intestinal Infections
If you experience mild to moderate pain after waking up in the morning and may include nausea and vomiting, it could be an intestinal infection. Common intestinal infections include salmonella and shigella. Those bacterial infections can be easily treated with antibiotics for an infection in your stomach or small intestines.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is one of the most common causes of severe stomach or chest pain. Poisoning occurs when you eat foods contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites, resulting in a stomach infection. So, it’s wise to consult a doctor immediately if you are recently dealing with nausea and vomiting with abdominal cramps and diarrhea.
Appendicitis
Appendicitis is a condition caused by a blockage of the appendix — a finger-like projection from the colon that empties into the lower right side of the abdomen: A blockage can cause severe pain since food builds up behind the obstruction, causing pressure and inflammation.
It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience severe pain while walking and sudden pain just below the rib cage, which can radiate to the right side of your lower back.
Gallstones
Gallstones occur when your bile is abnormally thick and hard, creating stones that form in the gallbladder. “Biliary colic,” or gallstones, can cause sharp pain in the right upper abdomen that radiates down into the abdomen or groin.
For most people, gallstones are more of an occasional discomfort than a serious illness, although they can sometimes be quite painful if you have them. The cause of most gallbladder attacks is not known, but certain foods may make you think why does my stomach hurt when I wake up early, including fatty foods and chocolate.
Liver Cancer or Liver Disease
Other causes of pain in the abdomen and surrounding area include liver cancer or liver disease. A nodular mass in your abdomen could be a sign of a hepatocellular carcinoma tumor, which is less common than other liver cancers.
This type of cancer typically starts in the liver but can also spread to other parts of the body. If you’re having pain in your right groin accompanied by right-sided abdominal pain, it’s important to contact your doctor for medical care.
Preventive steps to deal with a hurting stomach in the morning
A hurting stomach in the morning is usually not a good sign that your body just can’t handle food. But don’t worry, as there are many preventative steps that you can take to make it to work, and stop questioning “why does my stomach hurt when I wake up” every day!
- Avoid skipping meals and urge-inducing foods like bread, which cause gastric distress
- Consume ginger tea which can provide soothing relief to the whole digestive system and help decrease stomach pain
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle by engaging in regular physical activity or meditation to keep fit
- Have breakfast late in the morning rather than early in the morning due to decreased gastric acidity
- Try to minimize coffee and caffeinated beverages in the morning and start looking for healthier alternatives
- Avoid drinking alcohol before noon, as it can worsen stomach cramping and bloat, which are one of the main reasons you feel stomach pain
- Keep body temperature stable throughout the day by wearing loose clothes or avoiding extremely hot or cold temperatures
- Drink decaffeinated coffee, tea, and water instead of regular coffee
- Try to have a limited sleep each night if you feel your stomach is bothering you during the day
Accurate treatments for stomach pain early morning
As many as 69 percent of Americans experience stomach pain in the early morning. This can happen for several reasons, from indigestion to acid reflux. But it’s important to know that many reliable and effective treatments exist to alleviate this type of discomfort, so it can often be managed or prevented altogether. Here are some treatments that we recommend for stomach pain in the morning:
Having herbal tea in the morning
Many herbal teas are effective at soothing your stomach and relieving your early morning stomach pain. If you suffer from acid reflux, chamomile tea is one of the most effective teas to help you.
Chamomile prevents the production of acid in your body and is great at relieving inflammation as well. This makes it a perfect remedy for dealing with the symptoms of acid reflux. Other teas that can effectively ease these symptoms include peppermint, fennel, ginger, anise, and raspberry leaf tea.
Rest and drink fluids
If you’re experiencing abdominal cramps in the morning and there’s no other sign of illness (such as fever), then getting plenty of rest and drinking plenty more fluids during the day should help relieve your symptoms. Drinking lots of fluids relieves heat and pressure in the stomach.
Antacids and inflammation fighters
If you’re experiencing early morning stomach pain, you’re suffering from acid reflux or gastritis, which can cause inflammation and irritation to your esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Hence, treating these symptoms and bringing temporary relief with over-the-counter antacids like Maalox or Mylanta combined with products that fight inflammation is a good idea. These include ibuprofen (if you suffer from GERD or acid reflux) or bismuth subsalicylate (often found in Pepto-Bismol).
Breathe deeply
Deep breathing can also help relieve abdominal pain during the morning. By breathing in and out through your nose very slowly and deeply, you help relieve stomach tension that might be causing discomfort. You can try this by holding your breath for a few moments when lying down or relaxing. Furthermore, you can start practicing yoga regularly to eliminate the problem.
Anti-inflammatory muscle relaxers
Relaxation is key in this case. Other than medications, you might also want to try anti-inflammation muscle relaxers like Flexeril, Flexeril-Aqua tabs, or Flexeril-PM.
These are effective at fighting stomach pain because these medications contain muscle relaxant properties that make your stomach muscles more flexible and able to withstand the symptoms of acid reflux without becoming irritated. This allows you to keep calm and get back on track with your life. You may also want to look into taking them during the day instead of immediately after waking up, especially if you suffer from insomnia or stress over them.
Eat whole-grain foods high in fiber
Fiber and water are important when you have stomach pain in the early morning because they promote proper bowel movements. Also, try to eat a balanced breakfast of whole grains, lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats like avocados and olives to help aid digestion and keep the colon lubricated enough for frequent bowel movements.
Utilizing acupuncture
If stomach pain persists, it may be helpful to consider acupuncture to balance your internal organs. This is especially true if you have chest pain or difficulty breathing, as those symptoms can point towards an imbalance in your internal organs that needs fixing. Find a clinic that offers professional acupuncture treatment and discuss your symptoms with them to get the best results.
Professional treatment
In some cases, early morning stomach pains can be a sign of more serious stomach problems such as gastritis or ulcers, and this is when you will want to get in touch with your doctor as quickly as possible.
Usually, these symptoms accompany vomiting and diarrhea (especially if the latter is accompanied by blood). If you develop any of these symptoms and are unsure what’s causing them, it’s time to see a doctor. He or she might prescribe medications that include antibiotics, antacids, or proton pump inhibitors to help reduce stomach acid production.
Final thoughts
It’s no wonder a huge number of people are seeking the answers to “why does my stomach hurt every day when I wake up” due to their bad eating habits and inappropriate lifestyle. Chasing their favorite food or other unhealthy cravings, problems like stomachache in the early morning will be inevitable.
Therefore, the best way to eliminate this problem is to make changes to your routine. You can do so by following the simple methods we have shared or consulting a medical professional to diagnose your problem more precisely. Whatever the way you prefer, stay healthy and stay safe. Make sure you address the issue quickly!
