What causes stomach cramps after drinking alcohol?

Abdominal cramps refer to stomach pain. Abdominal pain after drinking alcohol may be caused by physiological reasons, such as a weak gastrointestinal system, or pathological reasons, such as gastrointestinal dysfunction or gastroenteritis. Appropriate management can be applied based on specific symptoms.

I. Physiological Causes

If a person naturally has a sensitive intestinal function, alcohol consumption can irritate the gastrointestinal mucosa, triggering a stress response in the body and resulting in abdominal pain. Drinking warm water or applying a warm towel to the abdomen can help improve blood circulation and relieve abdominal discomfort.

II. Pathological Causes

1. Gastrointestinal Dysfunction

Alcohol can disrupt the balance of gut microbiota, leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction, causing abdominal pain along with symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and diarrhea. Under medical guidance, medications that regulate gastrointestinal function—such as Bifidobacterium triple viable capsules (e.g., Jinshuangqi capsules) or Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis granules—can be used for treatment.

2. Gastroenteritis

Alcohol is an irritant that can damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, making acute gastroenteritis more likely after drinking. If gastric mucosal injury leads to excessive gastric acid secretion, it can cause abdominal pain accompanied by symptoms like diarrhea and reduced appetite. Under medical supervision, proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole enteric-coated tablets or rabeprazole sodium enteric-coated capsules may be used for treatment.

In addition, abdominal pain after drinking could also indicate gastric ulcer, which may present as a burning pain in the upper abdomen, often accompanied by diarrhea and other symptoms. Under medical guidance, medications such as sucralfate oral solution or omeprazole capsules can be used for treatment.