Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are the Most Common Causes of Upset Stomach and Fatigue?

Laura M. Sands
Laura M. Sands

Upset stomach and fatigue may be a symptom of an underlying illness. These symptoms, however, are also commonly associated with consuming too much alcohol. Also, while being treated for sickness and disease, an upset stomach from antibiotics or other medications is common. Fever or diarrhea may accompany stomach discomfort, particularly in cases where a viral infection is present.

Consuming too much alcohol can cause upset stomach and fatigue, and can lead to excessive vomiting. Even small amounts of alcohol can have this effect, however. This is particularly true when people drink on an empty stomach, as there is nothing in the stomach to help absorb the alcohol and prevent it from irritating the stomach’s delicate lining.

Chemotherapy, antibiotics and excessive alcohol consumption have been known to cause upset stomach.
Chemotherapy, antibiotics and excessive alcohol consumption have been known to cause upset stomach.

Upset stomach may also occur after eating foods that have spoiled or foods that do not agree with a person’s system. For instance, spoiled milk, rotten meat and other food items digested beyond a safe expiration date may cause stomach upset. Vomiting, diarrhea and upset stomach are common after eating rotten or spoiled foods.

Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience upset stomach and fatigue after treatment. This is not unusual and many medical professionals will refer patients to a special dietitian to help create a diet that includes foods for upset stomach relief. While they may not always relieve vomiting, certain foods, such as ginger, may reduce an overwhelming sense of nausea often present after chemotherapy treatment.

Ginger has long been recognized for its ability to ease nausea.
Ginger has long been recognized for its ability to ease nausea.

Upset stomach from antibiotics is also common. Oral macrolide drugs, such as erythromycin, do not absorb well into the body, thus sometimes causing nausea and tiredness. Medical professionals suggest taking drugs like these with food to decrease the likelihood of experiencing an upset stomach as a drug side effect.

When upset stomach and fatigue cannot be traced to any of these reasons, a healthcare professional’s examination may be in order. This is particularly true if a person is experiencing diarrhea or fever and upset stomach at the same time. Such may be the cause of an underlying illness, such as a bacterial or viral infection.

Peppermint and chamomile teas can sooth upset stomachs.
Peppermint and chamomile teas can sooth upset stomachs.

Over-the-counter remedies for upset stomach do exist and are among the most common ways of treating this discomfort. Many choose a more natural remedy, however, and use ginger for upset stomach relief, as it is known to calm the digestive system. Drinking carbonated soda for upset stomach is another common remedy for this condition.

Upset stomach and fatigue may be caused by a variety of issues. Most of these are not life threatening or cause for major concern. In most cases, they are commonly treated with rest and home remedies, such as soda or ginger. Prolonged symptoms, however, may be a sign of a more serious illness.

Discussion Comments

Hymnomove

Sdailey, they aren't exactly the same, though someone with an upset stomach may have some abdominal pain with their nausea. Pain is generally more serious than just having an upset stomach though, and you may need to seek medical attention to find out the causes of your stomach pain.

Jolecter

Generally, no. Usually, when people say they have an upset stomach, they mean things like they have a gassy, bubbly stomach, or too much acid in their stomach. They may feel like they are going to throw up, and may experience this nausea with or without vomiting.

sdailey

Is having an upset stomach the same thing as having abdominal pain?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Chemotherapy, antibiotics and excessive alcohol consumption have been known to cause upset stomach.
      By: Balint Radu
      Chemotherapy, antibiotics and excessive alcohol consumption have been known to cause upset stomach.
    • Ginger has long been recognized for its ability to ease nausea.
      By: tashka2000
      Ginger has long been recognized for its ability to ease nausea.
    • Peppermint and chamomile teas can sooth upset stomachs.
      By: unpict
      Peppermint and chamomile teas can sooth upset stomachs.
    • An upset stomach can be caused by anything from food to an underlying illness.
      By: Brian Jackson
      An upset stomach can be caused by anything from food to an underlying illness.
    • Some brands of dissolvable tablets may offer relief of upset stomach.
      By: Jimerji
      Some brands of dissolvable tablets may offer relief of upset stomach.
    • Common symptoms of a stomach flu include low-grade fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
      By: Ocskay Bence
      Common symptoms of a stomach flu include low-grade fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite.
    • People who drink excessive alcohol often experience nausea and fatigue the next day.
      By: Alliance
      People who drink excessive alcohol often experience nausea and fatigue the next day.
    • Many antibiotics and other medications list stomach aches and fatigue as potential side effects.
      By: Alliance
      Many antibiotics and other medications list stomach aches and fatigue as potential side effects.