What Causes an Upset Tummy?

Symptoms of an upset tummy include: 

• Discomfort or pain in the abdomen
• Heartburn
• Bloating
• Belching
• Feeling full quickly after eating
• Nausea

• Most cases of upset tummy are mild and self-limiting and able to be treated at home.
• The cause of more serious cases of upset can be diagnosed with a patient history of symptoms and a physical examination of the abdomen, which may include palpation of the area to check for tenderness, enlarged organs, or masses, and listening to the abdomen with a stethoscope for bowel sounds. 
• Pregnancy should be ruled out in all females of childbearing age with abdominal pain.

Most of the time, an upset stomach can be treated at home. An upset tummy may be settled by:

• Drinking plenty of fluids so urine is a pale yellow or clear color
• Consuming clear liquids in frequent, small amounts
• If vomiting occurs, start with small sips of water or sucking on ice chips and if these are well tolerated, try:
  • Diluted juices such as apple, grape, cherry, or cranberry (avoid citrus juices)
  • Sports drinks
  • Clear, non-caffeinated sodas such as ginger ale, 7-Up, or Sprite 
  • Clear soup broth or bouillon
  • Popsicles
  • Decaffeinated tea
• If fluids are tolerated, bland solid foods may be slowly added, such as the BRAT diet: 
  • Bananas
  • Rice, white
  • Applesauce
  • Toast, plain or with only jelly or honey if desired
• Avoid:
  • Spicy foods
  • Fatty or greasy foods
  • Dairy products
  • Whole grains 
  • Raw vegetables
  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications may help relieve certain symptoms associated with an upset tummy. Talk to your doctor to determine which medicine might be indicated in your situation. 

• Simethicone (Gas-X, Mylanta) for gas and bloating
• Antacids or acid reducers (Pepcid, Zantac) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) for diarrhea
• Stool softeners or laxatives for constipation
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) for cramping pain 

If an upset tummy is caused by a specific medical problem, such as an ulcer, treatments for that problem can help relieve symptoms.