Why does my stomach hurt when I run after drinking water?

Nov 29, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, a stomachache refers to abdominal pain. Abdominal pain after running following water intake may be caused by gastrointestinal spasms, lactic acid buildup, irritable bowel syndrome, acute enteritis, appendicitis, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is important to maintain adequate hydration and avoid strenuous exercise to promote recovery.

Generally speaking, a stomachache refers to abdominal pain. Abdominal pain after running following water consumption may be caused by gastrointestinal spasms, lactic acid buildup, irritable bowel syndrome, acute enteritis, appendicitis, or other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation at a hospital and receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Gastrointestinal Spasms

After drinking water, the gastrointestinal tract becomes distended; exercising at this time may easily increase stimulation of gastrointestinal motility, leading to smooth muscle spasms and resulting in abdominal pain. Usually, the discomfort can be relieved through adequate rest, massage, or warm compresses.

2. Lactic Acid Buildup

If one lacks regular exercise and suddenly engages in vigorous running, prolonged oxygen consumption by abdominal muscles can lead to lactic acid accumulation, which irritates the muscles and causes abdominal pain. Running after drinking water may exacerbate the discomfort. Pain usually subsides spontaneously after resting and massaging the abdomen.

3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome is associated with long-term late-night habits and binge eating. The intestines become abnormally sensitive to food, stress, or physical activity, and abdominal pain may be triggered during exercise, possibly accompanied by symptoms like bloating. It is recommended to follow medical instructions for treatment with medications such as pinaverium bromide tablets, Bifidobacterium quadruple live tablets, or Bifidobacterium triple live powder.

4. Acute Enteritis

Drinking large amounts of water before exercise may irritate the gastrointestinal tract, triggering acute enteritis and resulting in abdominal pain, possibly accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea. Treatment should follow medical advice using medications like smectite powder, Saccharomyces boulardii powder, or oral rehydration salts.

5. Appendicitis

Vigorous exercise after drinking water may cause fecal stones in the cecum to enter the appendix cavity, triggering appendicitis. Inflammatory stimulation of the appendix wall leads to abdominal pain, possibly accompanied by symptoms like vomiting and fever. Under medical guidance, appendectomy can be performed, which involves removing the affected appendix and its mesentery to treat appendicitis.

In daily life, attention should be paid to moderate water intake and avoiding strenuous exercise, which is more conducive to bodily recovery.