Drinking Water Before Meals
Boosts Energy Fast
Stomach Pain and Headache at the Same Time: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Stomach ache and headache both are not rare but when one suffers from both at the same time, the condition may not be comfortable or pleasant at all. These symptoms could cause many diseases, which can be minor, such as the lack of proper hydration, or severe, such as infection or a chronic disease. It is thus advisable to get to know the causes of stomach pain and headache at the same time so as to be in a position to diagnose and possibly treat the condition effectively.
Table of Contents
What Causes Stomach Pain and Headache at the Same Time?
There are various causes of stomachache and headache at the same time. Here are some common causes:
Dehydration
One of the common causes of developing a headache or an upset stomach is lack of water. Some of the effects that are observed in the body when the body is dehydrated includes:
- Headaches due to reduced blood flow to the brain
- Nausea and dizziness
A good advice is to take plenty of water, fluids that contain electrolytes and to avoid taking too much caffeine or alcohol.
Food Poisoning or Stomach Virus (Gastroenteritis)
Infections, bacterial as well as viral (such as of the stomach flu or the Escherichia coli bacteria) can lead to:
- Severe stomach cramps
- Headaches from dehydration and fever
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Diet recommendation: When Resting and taking a shower; a bland diet, preferably the BRAT diet which includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Particularly, if you notice an aggravation of the symptoms, you need to turn to a Doctor on call.
Migraines with Digestive Symptoms
Some people get abdominal migraine or migraine associated with digestion problems, and such symptoms include:
- Throbbing headaches
- Stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light and sound
Preventive measure: Avoid stress, foods that cause headache, and definitely take migraine medicines; bed rest preferably in a dark room.
Stress and Anxiety
Negative effects of chronic stress include:
- Tension headaches
- Stomachaches (due to increased stomach acid or IBS-like symptoms)
- Nausea and dizziness
If struggling to combat stress, the best actions to take include practicing deep breathing, meditation, and exercising; therapy is also an option.
Acid Reflux or GERD
The symptoms that GERD may produce include:
- Burning stomach pain
- Headaches from stress or lack of sleep due to discomfort
- Nausea and regurgitation
In this case, one should eat moderate meals and avoid foods that trigger heartburn such as spicy, fatty or acidic foods and should also take some antacids.
Medications or Alcohol Consumption
Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or excessive alcohol intake may also harm the lining of the stomach and lead to:
- Stomach pain and nausea
- Dehydration-induced headaches
- General fatigue
Alcohol should be reduced, medicines should be taken with meals and it is necessary to drink plenty of liquids.
Read More: Screening Monitoring Lab Tests That Save Lives
What Stomach Problems Cause Headaches?
Certain conditions of digestive system can also cause headaches, which are:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
The IBS is linked with the pathophysiological changes of the gut-brain axis, which results in the following:
- Chronic stomach pain and bloating
- Headaches from stress and inflammation
- Diarrhea or constipation
Solution: Including FODMAP exclusion diet, using probiotics, and decrease stress level.
Gastritis (Stomach Inflammation)
This is mostly as a result of H. pylori infection or taking NSAIDs and if left untreated it leads to:
- Burning stomach pain
- Some of the inconveniences include headaches resulting from discomfort and also impacts poor nutrient absorption.
- Nausea and loss of appetite
The possible medical treatment for the symptoms includes; Antibiotics in case it is bacterial infection, antacids and avoiding substances such as alcohol, spices etc.
Peptic Ulcers
He obtained a list of things that are associated with open sores in the stomach lining and they include:
- Everyone had sharp stomach pains especially when the stomach was empty.
- Tension and difficulty in sleep can also cause a person’s head to ache.
- Bloating and nausea
Why Does My Stomach Hurt and Have a Headache?
The causes of nausea, stomachache and headache may be:
- Viral or bacterial infections (flu, food poisoning)
- Hormonal changes (menstruation, pregnancy)
- Chronic conditions (migraines, IBS, GERD)
- Toxins or alcohol withdrawal
When to See a Doctor
To offset this, ensure that you seek medical attention in case of the following:
✔ Severe, persistent pain
✔ High fever or bloody stools
✔ Confusion or vision changes
✔ Continues symptoms for more than 48 hours
Stomach Pain and Headache: Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis doctor at home may use lab test at home:
Blood tests are medical examinations, which are designed to check the presence of infections and determine the extent of dehydration. Stool test is also another form of examination that involves testing for bacteria or parasites.
- Endoscopy (for ulcers or GERD)
- Imaging scans refer to CT/MRI for severe ones
Read More: Home Healthcare Services That Feel Like Family
Treatment Options
Part of the treatment depends with the cause and these include:
- Hydration and rest (for viruses or dehydrations).
- Antibiotics (for bacterial infections)
- Pain relievers & antacids (for migraines or GERD)
- Dietary changes (low-FODMAP, avoiding triggers)
- Stress management (therapy, meditation)
What Virus Causes Headaches and Upset Stomach?
Headache and stomach ache are factual signs associated with viral infections and may suggest the flu, among other ailments. Gastroenteritis or commonly known as the ‘stomach flu’ are some of the diseases that cause such symptoms. Others include migraine and stomach ache and other things like food poisoning or nausea which are brought about by stress may also be the cause.
For a week, normal symptoms can be stomach pain along with headache that can possibly be due to an infection, food intolerance, or a migraine that also includes nausea and stomach discomfort. If the symptoms intensify or comprise fever, lack of water, or severe stomach cramps, consult a nurse on call.
Why Do My Stomach and Head Hurt?
There are quite a number of possible reasons that you can experience the sensation of “my head and stomach hurt”.
Infections – This group is characterized by Noro-virus and rotavirus that cause headache, tummy ache, nausea and diarrhea.
Food Allergies – They become intolerant of some foods and they experience headache and stomach ache after taking the food in question.
Headaches – Some individuals have migraine stomach pain and vomiting before or during the migraine.
Stress and anxiety – Stress experienced in your body can lead to stomach and headache at the same time.
They include gastrointestinal disorders such as Irritable bowel syndrome or gastritis and flu, which might lead to pain in the lower abdomen accompanied by a headache. If you manage stomach ache and headache, one should check on cases of dehydration, food poisoning or Appendicitis if the pains where in the lower right abdomen.
When to See a Doctor
So if you wake up with stomach ache or headache or any other flu for one week and the following, it is advisable to seek a healthcare provider.
But signs like stomach ache and headache require constant vomiting, which means that it may be due to gastritis, ulcers or gallstones. The two possible explanations for lower abdominal and a headache are infection or conditions related to the menstrual cycle.
Book a Consultation with Healthone
Step by Step Guide To Caring For Elderly Parents
Finding Health Care Providers in Dubai Offering Consultation in Health One Dubai
Do this as it provides a list of the professionals such as nurse at home currently available online on the website and whom you can consult.
- Select Appointment – Select a time that is convenient for you.
- Confirm Your Details: Check date, time service and location
Receive Professional help– Pass regular checkups and screenings to help determine if there is a cancer that may have caused your stomach and head pain.
Conclusion
Stomach pain together with headache is possible due to; Infections, stress or due to diseases like; migraines, and Gastroesophageal reflux disease among others. To effectively address the problem or to manage it adequately could only be rendered if the underlying cause of the problem has already been diagnosed. In case of worsening of signs and symptoms or if they are severe, one should seek professional help from a health care provider. One can minimize the chances of getting such symptoms again by drinking lots of water and avoiding stress, consuming fresh foods and exercising regularly.
Let's Book for Consultation
Your Questions Answered Here
It may be as a result of infections, migraine, stress or stomach flu among others.
Yes, migraines and stomach problems are closely associated and nausea is one of the manifestations of a migraine.
It is mostly caused by; food intolerances and overeating, as well as acid reflux problems.
Always consult a doctor if the pain is so bad that you cannot sleep or walk, lasts more than one week or is accompanied with fever or vomiting.
Most of the time, stomach and headache pains are self limiting which means they will disappear over a short time if due to illness or menses for ladies if it’s a menstrual cramp related headache but for chronic pain you may use the following methods of relieving the pains: Drinking water, getting adequate sleep, avoiding the particular foods and using pain medications for relief if necessary.
We are delighted to introduce Dr. Maha Ammar, a skilled and compassionate General Practitioner dedicated to enhancing patient well-being and community health. A graduate of the prestigious University of Health Sciences, Dr. Maha Ammar brings a wealth of knowledge in medical care and clinical practices.
With over three years of professional experience, she has developed a broad skill set, enabling her to diagnose and treat a wide range of health conditions. Her expertise spans preventive care, accurate diagnosis, and effective treatment, ensuring each patient receives personalized and comprehensive healthcare.
Dr. Maha Ammar is deeply passionate about patient education and preventive medicine. She believes in empowering individuals with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. By fostering a welcoming and supportive environment, she ensures that patients feel heard, valued, and actively involved in their healthcare journey.