Why does the stomach hurt when skipping breakfast in the morning?

Abdominal pain occurring in the morning due to skipping breakfast may result from gastric acid irritation or underlying conditions such as duodenal ulcer or gastritis.

1. Gastric Acid Irritation

When breakfast is skipped, gastric acid in the digestive tract is not utilized for digestion and can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, leading to abdominal pain.

2. Duodenal Ulcer

This condition may occur in individuals who already have a duodenal ulcer. Abdominal pain can happen regardless of whether food is consumed, primarily due to the absence of the protective mucosal layer in the stomach, allowing gastric acid to cause irritation. Pain often improves after eating but may be accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, and bloating.

3. Gastritis

Chronic consumption of spicy or irritating foods, or infection with certain pathogens, may lead to gastritis. This slows down gastric acid secretion, and in a fasting state, the acid cannot be properly neutralized, resulting in excessive accumulation of gastric acid and subsequent abdominal pain. Additional symptoms may include acid reflux and a feeling of fullness.