Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Dr P. E. Pancoast, MD
In this article
If you’ve ever experienced a stomach ache after excessive alcohol consumption, you know the discomfort it can cause. While an occasional tummy ache may be normal, persistent symptoms could indicate something more serious in your digestive system.
This blog explores the possible causes of abdominal pain after drinking to understand and address what’s happening inside. Moreover, it discusses a few actionable steps to reduce any associated discomfort.
Here are the common causes of stomach pain after alcohol intake:
Alcoholic gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining that excessive consumption of alcohol causes.
Symptoms of this condition include:
In severe cases, it can lead to bleeding in the stomach or intestines.
Frequent, ongoing alcohol use can destroy the stomach mucosal lining. It can lead to painful open sores, also known as stomach ulcers.
Ulcers can cause severe gastrointestinal tract (UGI) bleeding. They may also develop into gastric cancer.5
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive system disorder. There are many causes of IBS, including auto-immune and hereditary factors.
IBS can be severe in some people with specific types and may require ongoing medical care and even surgery. However, it doesn’t usually cause severe symptoms; you can manage them through lifestyle changes.6
For people with IBS, drinking alcohol can flare up symptoms, including:
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition affecting the stomach and esophagus muscles. If you have GERD, stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing irritation and pain that usually worsens when you drink alcohol.
Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to the malabsorption of vitamin B12, causing pernicious anemia. This condition may present as stomach pain and may worsen with drinking.7
Alcohol can be harsh on your stomach lining. It causes the stomach to produce more acid.
Drinking on an empty stomach can cause the alcohol to mix with stomach acids. The stomach lining can become inflamed when this happens, causing pain and discomfort.
Over 3 million people use BetterHelp. Their services are:
Answer a few questions to get started
If you experience stomach pain after drinking alcohol, seeking medical attention is important. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of your symptoms.
Ways to treat a painful or upset stomach after drinking include:
Your doctor may recommend medications to reduce inflammation or antibiotics if an infection is present. They may also prescribe antacids to reduce acid production in the area.
Lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of stomach pain after drinking alcohol. This includes limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a balanced diet, and exercising regularly.
Certain foods and drinks can trigger stomach pain after drinking alcohol. Avoiding these triggers, such as spicy foods, caffeine, and carbonated beverages, is important. Additionally, it’s best to avoid drinking on an empty stomach.
Stress can worsen symptoms of stomach pain after drinking alcohol. Manage stress levels by engaging in yoga, meditation, and deep breathing.
It’s essential to eat the right food and avoid harmful substances. Consuming certain foods and drugs can further irritate your stomach.
Here’s a list of things you should avoid:
They’ll connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor
Find a TherapistAnswer a few questions to get started
If you have stomach pain after drinking alcohol, your gastric mucosa (stomach lining) may be inflamed. This condition is known as gastritis.
Alcohol triggers gastritis pain when it comes into contact with an inflamed stomach lining. When alcohol causes gastritis, it’s known as alcoholic gastritis.
Alcoholic gastritis symptoms include:
BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat.
Find a TherapistAnswer a few questions to get started
Alcoholic gastritis occurs when alcohol use damages the stomach lining. This leaves the delicate lining vulnerable to other irritants such as spicy foods, smoke, or drugs.
Studies show that 100% of chronic drinkers are at a higher risk of gastritis.2,4 Symptoms of alcoholic gastritis might not occur immediately. However, they can worsen over time.
For example, when the inflamed mucosal tissue of the stomach lining erodes, an ulcer can form. Ulcers cause further pain, stomach bleeding, and discomfort.
The 2 main types of alcoholic gastritis are acute and chronic:
Acute gastritis occurs suddenly and is short-lived. In some cases, it’s more painful than chronic alcohol gastritis.
Diagnosing acute gastritis is difficult without a medical check-up. If you vomit blood, seek emergency care immediately.
Common symptoms include:
Chronic gastritis is when stomach inflammation lasts for a long time.3 The condition worsens as the stomach acids eat away the exposed stomach lining.
The symptoms of chronic alcohol gastritis are minimal compared to acute alcoholic gastritis. Therefore, people are less likely to address chronic alcohol gastritis.
Symptoms include:
Gastritis can be erosive because of inflammation and erosion of the stomach lining. Exposing the tissue to acids and other irritants can cause bleeding.
There are plenty of factors that can increase the risk of alcoholic gastritis. Various conditions or substances can irritate and weaken your stomach lining.
Several factors put you at risk of alcoholic gastritis, including:
Treatment for alcoholic gastritis depends on age, symptoms, and overall health. The first and most important treatment for alcoholic gastritis is to stop drinking alcohol.
Continuing to drink alcohol will make gastritis worse and impede the healing process. Other options include:
To alleviate symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications such as:
These medications can help eliminate bacteria that may cause or worsen gastritis. For instance, the H. pylori kit treats H. Pylori bacteria, while Histamine (H2) blockers treat and reduce stomach acid production.9
Spicy foods and acidic drinks can irritate the stomach. Avoiding them will prevent the progression of and help manage the severe symptoms of gastritis. In particular, stopping alcohol use is critical to prevent stomach irritation and damage.
In cases of severe stomach lining damage, you might need reparative surgery. For instance, doctors might perform them to treat stomach ulcers or remove tumors.
Although it can take some time to heal, eventually, your stomach will. By staying fit and healthy, your stomach can recover.
Here are a few tips you can follow to help your stomach heal:
There are various possible causes of stomach pain after drinking. Alcohol gastritis is one of the main reasons behind this condition.
Learning about the types and symptoms of alcoholic gastritis can help you overcome your stomach pain. If you experience any of the above symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
In this article
