Why Cold Drinks May Cause Stomach Cramps

Generally, the causes of gastric spasms induced by cold beverages may include gastric cooling, gastric mucosal irritation, indigestion, gastrointestinal dysfunction, and gastrointestinal infections. Symptomatic treatments such as general care and medication are needed. If symptoms are severe, timely medical consultation is recommended, following the doctor's instructions for treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Gastric Cooling

The low temperature of cold beverages entering the stomach can cause the smooth muscles of the stomach to contract strongly due to cold stimulation, leading to gastric spasms and symptoms such as stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. It is recommended to relieve the spasm symptoms by drinking warm water, applying heat to the abdomen, or massage.

2. Gastric Mucosal Irritation

The low temperature of cold beverages may irritate the gastric mucosa, especially when the mucosa is already damaged, such as in conditions like gastritis or peptic ulcer. Cold beverages can exacerbate the inflammatory response of the mucosa, causing gastric spasms, often accompanied by symptoms such as stomach pain, indigestion, and nausea. It is recommended to avoid consuming cold foods again and to eat mild foods such as rice porridge and noodles to protect the gastric mucosa.

3. Indigestion

After consuming cold beverages, the capillaries in the stomach rapidly constrict, slowing the circulation of blood in the stomach and reducing the peristaltic movement of the stomach, which can lead to indigestion. At this time, the gastric mucosa is more fragile and more susceptible to stimulation from cold beverages, leading to gastric spasms and symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It is recommended to use medications such as Jianwei Xiaoshi tablets, Simo Decoction oral liquid, and Domperidone tablets under a doctor's guidance for treatment.

4. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

Stimulation from cold beverages can disrupt the normal peristaltic rhythm of the gastrointestinal tract, causing abnormal contractions of the gastrointestinal smooth muscles, leading to gastric spasms. Symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation may alternate. It is recommended to use medications such as Lactobacillus tablets, Bacillus subtilis bifidobacterium live granules, and Bifidobacterium capsules under a doctor's guidance for treatment.

5. Gastrointestinal Infection

Cold beverages may contain pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses, causing gastrointestinal infections and gastric spasms, often accompanied by symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. It is recommended to use medications such as Amoxicillin capsules, Ribavirin granules, and Esomeprazole Magnesium Enteric-coated tablets under a doctor's guidance for treatment, and to replenish fluids to prevent dehydration.

During treatment, patients should maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat regularly, and ensure adequate rest to promote gastric recovery.

References

[1] Cha Lide, Li Chen. How to Prevent Common Gastrointestinal Diseases [J]. Family Medicine. Happy Health, 2025, (01): 37.

[2] Zhang Xun, Liao Wenfei, Peng Bo. Detection and Typing Analysis of Helicobacter pylori in 1866 Cases of Chronic Gastritis in Wuhan [J]. Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, 2025, 36(02): 61-64.