Stomach Discomfort
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Abdominal discomfort
Stomach pain
Something is wrong with my tummy
Something is wrong with my stomach
About the Symptom
This refers to any discomfort sensation anywhere in the belly region — between the chest and the groin.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Sensation of incomplete voiding
- Fever
Possible Causes
Generally, Stomach discomfort can be related to:
- Gastroduodenal Ulcer
Ulcers are sores that can develop in the stomach and small intestines. In severe cases, the ulcers can be deep and cause bleeding within the gut wall. Common causes include the bacteria H. pylori, and painkillers such as Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Advil, Aleve (NSAIDs).
- Watery Diarrhea, Hypokalemia, and Achlorhydria (WDHA) Syndrome
WDHA syndrome, which stands for watery diarrhea, hypokalemia, and achlorhydria, is a rare condition caused by an excess of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) secreted by certain tumors. VIP is both a neuromodulator and a neurotransmitter that dilates blood vessels, regulates smooth muscle activity, cell secretion, and blood flow in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Crohn's Disease
It is an inflammatory condition of the gut. It is part of a group of diseases known as inflammatory bowel disease or IBD. It can affect anywhere from the mouth to the anus (end of the bowel).The exact cause is not well known.
- Gastric Cancer
- Lactose Intolerance
- Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Related Serious Diseases
Sometimes, Stomach discomfort may be related to these serious diseases:
- Ectopic Pregnancy
A condition where pregnancy occurs in any location other than the uterus. This is abnormal and most commonly occurs in the Fallopian tube, the tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus. If the pregnancy continues to grow, it may rupture and lead to life-threatening bleeding.
- Ovarian Hemorrhage
- Malaria
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Are you experiencing stomach discomfort other than pain?
- When did you first notice your stomach discomfort other than pain?
Reviewed By:
Samantha Nazareth, MD (Gastroenterology)
Board-certified gastroenterologist. Experience managing gastrointestinal conditions (GERD, IBS, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s, celiac disease, NASH) within healthcare organizations (three ambulatory surgical centers, single-specialty practice, multi-specialty practice and solo practice).
Aiko Yoshioka, MD (Gastroenterology)
Dr. Yoshioka graduated from the Niigata University School of Medicine. He worked as a gastroenterologist at Saiseikai Niigata Hospital and Niigata University Medical & Dental Hospital before serving as the Deputy Chief of Gastroenterology at Tsubame Rosai Hospital and Nagaoka Red Cross Hospital. Dr. Yoshioka joined Saitama Saiseikai Kawaguchi General Hospital as Chief of Gastroenterology in April 2018.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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FAQs
Q.
Can I drink coffee while taking stomach medicine?
A.
Drinking coffee while taking stomach medicine may affect your stomach because coffee can increase stomach acid and affect the esophagus. It is important to consult with your doctor about your specific situation. See below to understand more.
References:
Nehlig A. (2022). Effects of Coffee on the Gastro-Intestinal Tract: A Narrative .... Nutrients, 35057580.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35057580/
Lohsiriwat S, Puengna N, & Leelakusolvong S. (2006). Effect of caffeine on lower esophageal sphincter pressure .... Diseases of the esophagus : official journal of the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus, 16722996.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16722996/
Al Shboul S, Maloul O, Al-Trad H, Maloul Y, AlHarahsheh W, Mosallam D, et al. (2024). Self-Reported Gastrointestinal Symptoms Associated with .... Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania), 39336561.
Q.
Can I stop PPI suddenly?
A.
It's not recommended to stop proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) suddenly. Gradually reducing the dose may help prevent symptoms from coming back. See below to understand more.
References:
Kurlander JE, Kennedy JK, Rubenstein JH, Richardson CR, Krein SL, De Vries R, & Saini SD. (2019). Patients' Perceptions of Proton Pump Inhibitor Risks and .... The American journal of gastroenterology, 30694867.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30694867/
Wehmeyer MH, Horvatits T, Buchholz A, Krause L, Walter S, Zapf A, et al. (2022). Stop of proton-pump inhibitor treatment in patients with .... Trials, 35414106.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35414106/
Coyle C, Symonds R, Allan J, Dawson S, Russell S, Smith A, et al. (2019). Sustained proton pump inhibitor deprescribing among .... BJGP open, 31581112.
Q.
Can I take omeprazole long-term?
A.
Long-term use of omeprazole can be safe for some people, but it may come with risks. It's important to talk to a doctor about your specific situation. See below to understand more.
References:
Klinkenberg-Knol EC, Nelis F, Dent J, Snel P, Mitchell B, Prichard P, et al. (2000). efficacy, safety, and influence on gastric mucosa. Gastroenterology, 10734017.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10734017/
Koyyada A. (2021). Long-term use of proton pump inhibitors as a risk factor for .... Therapie, 32718584.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32718584/
Attwood SE, Ell C, Galmiche JP, Fiocca R, Hatlebakk JG, Hasselgren B, et al. (2015). Long-term safety of proton pump inhibitor therapy .... Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 25858519.
Q.
Do PPIs affect calcium absorption?
A.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) might reduce calcium absorption in some cases, but the evidence is mixed, and more research is needed. See below to understand more.
References:
Hansen KE, Jones AN, Lindstrom MJ, Davis LA, Ziegler TE, Penniston KL, et al. (2010). Do proton pump inhibitors decrease calcium absorption?. Journal of bone and mineral research : the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 20578215.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20578215/
Wright MJ, Sullivan RR, Gaffney-Stomberg E, Caseria DM, O'Brien KO, Proctor DD, et al. (2010). Inhibiting gastric acid production does not affect intestinal .... Journal of bone and mineral research : the official journal of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, 20499372.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20499372/
Yang YX. (2012). Chronic proton pump inihibitor therapy and calcium metabolism. Current gastroenterology reports, 23054811.
Q.
Does PPI use increase risk of infection?
A.
Using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may increase the risk of certain infections, especially in the stomach and intestines. See below to understand more.
References:
Bavishi C, & Dupont HL. (2011). the use of proton pump inhibitors and increased susceptibility .... Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 21999643.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21999643/
Moayyedi P, & Leontiadis GI. (2012). The Risks of PPI Therapy. Nature reviews. Gastroenterology & hepatology, 22330810.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22330810/
Jaynes M, & Kumar AB. (2019). The risks of long-term use of proton pump inhibitors. Therapeutic advances in drug safety, 31019676.
Q.
Why should I take PPI before meals?
A.
Taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI) before meals helps it work better to reduce stomach acid. See below to understand more.
References:
Hatlebakk JG, Katz PO, Camacho-Lobato L, & Castell DO. (2000). better acid suppression when taken before a meal than .... Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 11012470.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11012470/
Gunaratnam NT, Jessup TP, Inadomi J, & Lascewski DP. (2006). Sub-optimal proton pump inhibitor dosing is prevalent in .... Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics, 16669962.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16669962/
Solem C, Mody R, Stephens J, Macahilig C, & Gao X. (2014). Mealtime-related dosing directions for proton-pump .... Journal of the American Pharmacists Association : JAPhA, 24632930.
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