What causes stomach pain when hungry?

Hunger-induced stomach pain may be caused by excessive gastric acid secretion, functional dyspepsia, gastritis, gastric ulcers, or duodenal bulb ulcers. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Excessive Gastric Acid Secretion: When the body is in a state of hunger, the stomach may automatically secrete gastric acid in preparation for digesting food. If no food enters the stomach, excess gastric acid may irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to stomach pain. It is advisable to maintain regular eating habits, avoid prolonged fasting, and consume small amounts of food appropriately to neutralize gastric acid, which can help alleviate discomfort.

2. Functional Dyspepsia: This condition may be related to increased visceral sensitivity and elevated gastric acid secretion. These factors can easily disrupt gastrointestinal function, causing symptoms such as bloating and loss of appetite. It may also lead to stomach pain after prolonged periods without eating. Patients are advised to take medications such as Simo Decoction Oral Liquid, Domperidone Tablets, or Compound Rennin Capsules as prescribed by their doctor.

3. Gastritis: In patients with gastritis, the gastric mucosa is usually already somewhat damaged. When in a hungry state, gastric acid more noticeably irritates the injured mucosal lining, triggering stomach pain. It is recommended that patients follow medical advice and use medications such as Compound Rennin Capsules, Bismuth Potassium Citrate Tablets, or Colloidal Bismuth Pectin Capsules for treatment.

4. Gastric Ulcer: This may be associated with long-term improper diet or Helicobacter pylori infection. After onset, due to ulcer lesions on the surface of the gastric mucosa, gastric acid directly affects these ulcerated areas during fasting, potentially causing significant stomach pain. Additional symptoms such as gastric bleeding or black stools may also occur. Patients are advised to take medications such as Esomeprazole Magnesium Enteric-Coated Tablets, Rabeprazole Sodium Enteric-Coated Tablets, or Lansoprazole Tablets under a doctor's supervision to improve symptoms.

5. Duodenal Bulb Ulcer: This may be related to excessive gastric acid secretion, heavy alcohol consumption, and other factors. When patients are hungry, gastric acid may directly stimulate the ulcer site, resulting in upper abdominal pain. The pain often follows a distinct pattern—typically presenting as fasting pain that improves after eating. Patients should strictly follow medical instructions to use medications such as Omeprazole Sodium for Injection, Cimetidine Injection, or Belladonna Tablets to relieve symptoms.

In daily life, patients are encouraged to maintain a positive and optimistic mindset, avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, drink plenty of warm water, and ensure adequate sleep, all of which are beneficial for recovery.