When you were a kid, your mother may have called them “tummy troubles.” These days, you may refer to uncomfortable digestive symptoms as an upset stomach. No matter what you call them, gastrointestinal problems can be uncomfortable and sometimes even disruptive. Identifying what’s causing an upset stomach can help you properly treat it and get back to normal.
Upset Stomach Diagnosis & Treatment Online or in Person
There are a variety of gastrointestinal health issues that can cause an upset stomach, but they can all put your daily life on hold. Our team of expert providers at NGPG Urgent Care can quickly diagnose the source of your discomfort and offer a treatment plan to get you feeling better fast. We offer both on-demand video visits and in-person visits at our Urgent Care facilities, so choose the option that works best for you.
On-Demand Urgent Care Video Visits
Start a visit now and speak with a medical professional in minutes.
- Open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Treats patients 5 years and older
- Accepts insurance and self-pay
Urgent Care Walk-In Services
Meet face-to-face with a board-certified physician near you.
- Open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
- Treats patients 6 months and older
- On-site diagnostic testing & vaccinations
What is an upset stomach?
An upset stomach can be many different things, actually. The term is often used to describe a number of different digestive symptoms, including:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Excessive fullness after eating
- Gas
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Stomach cramping
- Vomiting
Because there are such a variety of symptoms, treatment for an upset stomach will depend on the specific symptoms you are experiencing and the cause of those symptoms, if it’s known.
What causes an upset stomach?
There are as many different causes of an upset stomach as there are symptoms. Causes of gastrointestinal problems can include:
- Acid reflux
- Celiac disease
- Certain medications
- Eating too quickly
- Excess stress or anxiety
- Fatty, greasy, or spicy foods
- Food intolerances
- Food poisoning
- Gastritis, which is an inflamed stomach lining
- Gastrointestinal infection
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Migraine
- Morning sickness
- Motion sickness
- Norovirus
- Overeating
- Stomach flu (called gastroenteritis)
- Tight-fitting clothing
You’ll note that many of the causes of an upset stomach relate to lifestyle habits or foods rather than a medical condition.
When should I seek care for an upset stomach?
In most cases, an upset stomach will resolve itself within a short time or can be treated using basic at-home care such as over-the-counter medications. If you’re dealing with persistent or severe stomach discomfort, though, it’s time to seek medical attention.
If you have a lingering upset stomach or it seems to worsen rather than improve, drop by one of our NGPG Urgent Care locations for a thorough evaluation and treatment plan. We can help you find relief from the discomfort and other symptoms related to your upset stomach.
It’s also important to be seen by a medical provider, in person or via a video visit, if you have an upset stomach accompanied by other symptoms, such as a fever, lingering pain, persistent bloating, or unexplained weight loss. While a minor health issue may be causing your symptoms, it’s always better to have your symptoms checked out.