Why does drinking alcohol cause stomach pain?

Stomach pain after drinking alcohol is usually caused by conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic gastritis, or gastric ulcers.

1. Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Stomach pain after drinking may occur due to consuming a large amount of high-alcohol-content beverages in a short time, which irritates the gastrointestinal mucosa, placing it in a stressed state and leading to irritable bowel syndrome.

2. Chronic Gastritis

Irregular or irritating diets can damage the protective barrier of the gastric mucosa. Additionally, factors such as Helicobacter pylori infection or excessive mental stress may reduce the stomach's defense function, resulting in chronic gastritis. This condition often causes stomach pain after drinking alcohol.

3. Gastric Ulcer

Stomach pain after drinking may also result from damage to gastric tissues such as the antrum or angularis, caused by dietary irritation or H. pylori infection, leading to gastric ulcers. Gastric ulcers are particularly sensitive to irritating foods, which may trigger symptoms or worsen the condition.

To manage stomach pain after drinking, it's important to abstain from alcohol in daily life. Additionally, other irritating foods such as spicy, raw, or cold items should also be avoided.