Why Stomach Hurts With a Cold - Causes and Relief

What Causes Stomach Pain When You Have a Cold?

It's common to experience stomach pain or other gastrointestinal issues when you have a cold or flu. The culprits behind this unwelcome symptom range from the virus itself to remedies you may be taking to find relief. Understanding the reasons your stomach hurts when you're sick can help you treat it.

Your Immune System Causes Inflammation

When a cold virus enters your body, your immune system kicks into high gear. It releases inflammatory proteins called cytokines to destroy infected cells and stop the virus from spreading further. This immune response is an essential defense, but too much inflammation can irritate your digestive tract.

The stomach and intestines have a large concentration of immune cells that get activated when you're sick. The resulting inflammation can cause nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Viruses that directly invade your gut, like norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus, are especially likely to trigger tummy troubles.

Medications Upset Your Stomach

Many over-the-counter remedies for colds and flu list nausea or stomach pain as potential side effects. Cough syrup containing expectorants like guaifenesin may irritate your digestive system. Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin can also upset your stomach if you don't take them with food.

Decongestants containing pseudoephedrine narrow your blood vessels and can decrease blood flow to your intestines. This disruption of normal circulation can leave you feeling queasy. Antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton) may contribute to diarrhea and abdominal discomfort as well.

Your Eating Habits Change

When you have a sore throat, stuffy nose, and body aches, comfort foods like soup, toast, and crackers may replace your normal diet. Eating too much processed carbs and salt can lead to bloating and constipation. Skipping fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains also slows your digestion.

A cold often dampens your appetite, so you may not drink enough fluids. Dehydration causes headaches and dizziness that can exacerbate nausea. Fluids also keep your mucus thin, so skimping on water thickens secretions and worsens congestion. Avoid sugary juices and soda that can irritate your stomach.

Your Sleep Suffers

Between coughing fits, sinus pressure, and chills, quality sleep is hard to come by when you have a cold. Lack of sleep stresses the body, impairs immune function, and upsets your gastrointestinal rhythm. When you're sleep deprived, your stomach may secrete more acids, resulting in reflux, indigestion, and abdominal pain.

How to Soothe a Stomachache From a Cold

Most cases of stomach trouble fade soon after your other cold symptoms go away. To find gastrointestinal relief when you're sick:

• Drink lots of fluids like water, broth, and diluted juice to stay hydrated.
• Eat bland, low-fiber foods like rice, applesauce, and eggs.
• Avoid spicy, greasy, and fried foods that are hard to digest.
• Take OTC medication with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Use a humidifier to ease congestion and help you sleep.
• Apply a warm compress to your abdomen for cramps.
• Ask your doctor about antacids or anti-diarrheal medicines.

Warning Signs of When to See a Doctor

In most cases, stomach problems from a viral illness don't require medical treatment. But see a doctor right away if you experience:

• Blood in your vomit or stools
• Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
• Fever higher than 101°F
• Abdominal swelling or rigidity
• Intense, persistent pain in your abdomen
• Dehydration symptoms like dizziness and dark urine

These red flags could indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate care, like appendicitis, pancreatitis, or a bacterial infection.

When to Worry About Stomach Pain

Mild to moderate tummy troubles are normal when fighting off an upper respiratory infection. But stomach pain accompanied by concerning symptoms warrants medical evaluation. Seek prompt care if you have:

Severe Pain

A cold or flu usually causes mild to moderate abdominal discomfort that comes and goes. Sudden, severe, or persistent pain, especially if concentrated on your lower right side, could indicate appendicitis. Constant, intense pain that doesn't improve with over-the-counter remedies may result from a stomach ulcer or gallbladder issue.

Fever Above 101°F

The common cold rarely raises your temperature higher than 100°F. Flu can sometimes cause fevers up to 102°F for adults. If your fever reaches above 101°F or lasts more than 3 days, see your doctor. A persistent high fever with stomach pain may indicate a kidney infection, pneumonia or another bacterial illness.

Bloody Vomit or Stool

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea from a viral infection shouldn't cause bloody discharge. Passing blood when you throw up or have a bowel movement could signal an ulcer, inflammation, or tear in your digestive tract. Blood in your stool may also result from a bacterial infection like salmonella or campylobacter.

Signs of Dehydration

Diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and poor intake of fluids can lead to dehydration when you're sick. Signs include dark yellow urine, dizziness, rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, dry mouth, and headache. Dehydration requires prompt medical treatment with IV fluids to prevent complications from electrolyte imbalance.

Inability to Keep Down Foods or Liquids

Persistent vomiting and diarrhea prevent your body from absorbing enough nutrients and fluids. If you can't manage more than a few sips of liquid or bites of bland food without throwing up, seek medical attention. You may need IV rehydration and anti-nausea medication until you can digest normally.

When to Take Antidiarrheal Medication

Diarrhea from a stomach bug or food poisoning will usually resolve on its own within a few days. Over-the-counter antidiarrheal agents can provide some relief but should be used cautiously and only for short periods.

Imodium and other anti-motility drugs contain loperamide, which slows intestinal contractions. This helps solidify loose stools but also keeps infectious pathogens in your bowels for longer. These medications are helpful during acute flare-ups but aren't a substitute for allowing your body to fully clear the infection.

Avoid antidiarrheals if you see blood in your stool or have a fever over 101°F, which indicate potential bacterial infection. Only use these medications for more than 1-2 days under a doctor's direction. Letting diarrhea run its course helps expel toxins faster.

Look for antidiarrheals containing attapulgite, a safe natural mineral that solidifies stools by absorbing excess fluid. Stay well hydrated and seek medical advice if symptoms don't improve after 24-48 hours.

When Stomach Issues Linger After a Cold

Your digestive system usually bounces back within a few days after a viral illness resolves. But in some cases, stomach problems like indigestion, reflux, cramping, and diarrhea may persist or recur after your infection clears.

Post-viral gastrointestinal syndromes can arise when inflammation damages the nerves controlling gut motility and contractions. Viruses may also disrupt the protective gut microbiome, allowing "bad" bacteria to overgrow and cause symptoms. Common culprits include:

Post-Infectious IBS

Studies show a bout of acute gastroenteritis increases your risk of developing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Post-infectious IBS results when inflammation alters signals between your brain and digestive tract. Symptoms include abdominal pain

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.