Do you get stomach pain after drinking? Here is why

Do you experience stomach pain after drinking alcohol? Then you are in the right place.

In this article we discuss the various reasons why you may have stomach pain after drinking, as well as explore current guidelines for alcohol consumption.

We also look at what you can do to stop the stomach pain, when you may need to seek further medical advice and treatment for your stomach pain. 

If you are looking for further information on alcohol and IBS specifically, please see our articles Low FODMAP Alcohol and Refreshing low FODMAP diet options – gut health beverages.

Current guidelines for alcohol consumption

If you get stomach pain after drinking, it may be because you are over-consuming alcohol. 

Over-consumption of alcohol can not only cause stomach pain but increase the risk of multiple diseases, including various forms of cancer, dementia, osteoporosis and pancreatitis (1). 

Therefore, it is important to be aware of the current guidelines surrounding alcohol consumption.

Current UK guidelines recommend:

• Several drink free days per week
• No more than 14 units of alcohol per weekDon’t binge drink (more than 6 units in a session for a female or 8 for  males (2).

Why do I get stomach pain after drinking? 

You may be wondering what is actually causing your stomach pain after drinking alcohol. 

Alcohol has a range of effects on your digestive system. It can be a gut irritant directly affecting your gut (3).

Below, we discuss multiple effects that alcohol has on the digestive system that may cause stomach pain after drinking.

Stomach pain and alcoholic gastritis

Evidence suggests that alcohol can make your stomach produce more acid (4). 

This can result in inflammation of the stomach lining, causing a burning pain in your stomach. This is known as alcoholic gastritis (5, 6). 

In some cases, symptoms of gastritis will go away on their own. However, if left untreated, it can lead to potentially severe consequences.

These include stomach ulcers and polyps (small growths). This can cause pain, stomach bleeding and discomfort (7).

Continued inflammation in the stomach lining also increases the risk of esophageal and stomach cancer (8).

Stomach pain and gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD)

Drinking alcohol is also linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It is a condition that affects the muscle between the stomach and esophagus. 

Stomach acid can flow back into the esophagus, causing irritation, heartburn and gnawing pain in the stomach (8).

For more information on GERD see our article, “Can you have GERD and IBS?”.

Stomach pain and delayed gastric emptying

Another factor which may contribute to stomach pain after drinking is delayed gastric emptying (9).

Delayed gastric emptying means it takes longer than usual for the contents of your stomach to empty. 

Alcohol can cause delayed gastric emptying (10). 

Symptoms of delayed gastric emptying can include stomach pain, nausea and vomiting (11).

What helps stomach pain after drinking?

Stomach pain after drinking can be very uncomfortable and you may be wondering what can help with this pain. 

Drinking less alcohol in the first place is the best strategy as this will reduce irritation and inflammation of the stomach lining. 

Ensure you follow the current alcohol consumption guidelines as discussed above. 

On your next night out, why not try an alcohol free beverage or replace every other drink with a glass of water. 

As well as this, ensure you eat before you drink alcohol. This can help to line your stomach and reduce irritation. 

Currently, there is no evidence that proves specific diet or supplements can help with recovery from alcoholic gastritis.

How long does it take to recover from alcoholic gastritis?

As discussed, alcoholic gastritis is a cause of stomach pain after drinking. 

Alcoholic gastritis can be chronic or acute. Acute alcoholic gastritis may occur after a short period of acute alcohol exposure i.e. binge drinking. 

The healing time for the stomach lining should be short so long as you avoid the irritant (alcohol). 

For chronic alcoholic gastritis, which constant ongoing exposure to alcohol causes, you need to abstain from alcohol as well, but you will also need medical treatment. 

Treatment can include:

• Antibiotics
• Proton pump inhibitors (drugs that reduce stomach acid secretion)
• Antacids (neutralizes stomach acid) (12).

When to see a doctor for your stomach pain

You should see your doctor when you experience long-lasting pain or problems with your digestive system. 

Seek immediate medical attention if you are vomiting blood or have black tarry stools.

Summary

Alcoholic gastritis, GERD and delayed gastric emptying may cause stomach pain after drinking.

You might need medical treatment if your stomach pain is caused by alcoholic gastritis. 

It is important to see a doctor to access appropriate treatment and avoid further complications such as stomach ulcers or even stomach cancer.