What causes stomach pain after drinking alcohol?
Aug 29, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, abdominal pain after drinking alcohol may be caused by various factors such as alcohol irritation, alcohol metabolites, gastric ulcers, cholecystitis, and pancreatitis. Excessive alcohol consumption can directly irritate the gastric mucosa, leading to stomach discomfort. Discontinuing alcohol intake, resting, rehydrating, and taking oral gastric mucosal protectants—such as smectite powder or aluminum magnesium carbonate chewable tablets—can help relieve gastrointestinal discomfort.
Generally, abdominal pain after drinking alcohol may be caused by various factors such as alcohol irritation, alcohol metabolites, gastric ulcers, cholecystitis, and pancreatitis. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Alcohol Irritation
Excessive alcohol consumption can directly irritate the gastric mucosa, causing stomach discomfort. Alcohol intake should be stopped immediately, and increased water intake can help dilute alcohol and promote its excretion through urine, thereby alleviating symptoms.
2. Alcohol Metabolites
Alcohol is metabolized in the liver into intermediate products such as acetaldehyde, which are highly toxic and can irritate the gastrointestinal tract, leading to abdominal discomfort and pain. Adequate rest and increased fluid intake are recommended to facilitate the elimination of these metabolites.
3. Gastric Ulcer
Gastric ulcers are usually caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. Alcohol may exacerbate existing gastric ulcers, damage the stomach lining, and lead to abdominal pain. Symptoms may include postprandial stomach pain and black stools. Treatment under the guidance of a healthcare professional may include medications such as famotidine tablets, omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, and clarithromycin capsules.
4. Cholecystitis
Cholecystitis is primarily caused by gallstones. Alcohol irritation may trigger an episode of cholecystitis, resulting in congestion and edema of the gallbladder wall and causing abdominal pain. Common accompanying symptoms include right upper quadrant abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice. Medications such as metronidazole tablets, levofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, and amoxicillin capsules may be taken as directed by a physician to relieve symptoms.
5. Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis may be caused by alcohol consumption or metabolic disorders. Heavy drinking can trigger acute pancreatitis, leading to pancreatic tissue edema, hemorrhage, or necrosis, and resulting in abdominal pain. Symptoms may include fever, nausea, and vomiting. Under medical supervision, medications such as penicillin V potassium tablets, pancreatin enteric-coated capsules, and ibuprofen sustained-release capsules may be used.
In daily life, it is important to develop healthy habits, maintain a light diet, and avoid spicy or irritating foods.
