What causes stomach distension and pain every night before sleep?
Disease description:
For the past few nights, I’ve felt bloated and uncomfortable in my stomach while sleeping, accompanied by pain. What could be causing this nightly stomach bloating and pain during sleep?
Doctor's answer (2)
Dr. Cui Zhenqin
Short-term upper abdominal distension and pain typically require diagnostic evaluation, including gastroscopy and a carbon breath test. In most cases, I suspect functional dyspepsia or superficial gastritis. Treatment may include acid-suppressing medications and prokinetic agents to improve gastrointestinal motility. However, if the upper abdominal distension and pain persist long-term, further investigations are warranted—specifically, abdominal ultrasound of the liver, gallbladder, and spleen, as well as hepatitis B serology (HBsAg and anti-HBs), to rule out cholecystitis or hepatitis as potential causes.
