Why Does My Stomach Hurt When I Drink Water?

While most of the time, having a cup of water doesn’t cause problems, there may be times when it causes you pain.

Water is essential for your overall health and it’s important that you drink water each day.

If you are experiencing stomach pain after drinking, you may want to see if sipping your water slower helps reduce pain and ensure your water source is clean and doesn’t contain additives. 

Read on to discover why your stomach may hurt after drinking water, several steps for managing stomach pain, and when it’s important to seek medical attention.

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Why Does My Stomach Hurt When I Drink Water?

Here are several reasons why you may be experiencing stomach pain after drinking water. 

Contamination In Drinking Water

Contaminated water could be a source of stomach pain. 

While public water systems are regulated by agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure the drinking water is safe, contamination can still occur. 

Harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites can contaminate water through breaks in the pipes, leaks, and other sources.

The risk of encountering contaminated water rises significantly when you travel to places with potentially compromised water infrastructure. 

Because these contaminants are invisible to the naked eye, even clear-looking water can contain contaminants. 

Bacteria

Bacteria are a common source of water contamination and can cause a range of digestive issues, including stomach pain, nausea, abdominal cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. 

These microscopic organisms thrive in water sources that haven’t been properly treated or have become compromised. 

An example is campylobacter, which can infect water when sewage overflow leaks into water systems. 

Parasites

Parasites can also be swimming around in clean-looking water, and yet, if you drink it, can cause a range of health problems, including stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea.

While public water treatment systems work hard to eliminate most parasites, outbreaks can occasionally occur. 

An example is cryptosporidium (crypto), which can come from polluted stormwater runoff or agricultural runoff getting into the water system. 

Viruses

Viruses also pose a significant threat as water contaminants. 

These small organisms are often not removed by home or camping filters and the water needs to be boiled or disinfected by chemicals. 

Enterovirus and norovirus are examples of viruses that can contaminate water and cause stomach pain, fevers, nausea, diarrhea, or a skin rash.

Sensitivity To Water Additives Or Chemicals 

While some additives and chemicals are often necessary for public water safety, you may be sensitive to them, causing you to have stomach pain. 

Chlorine

Chlorine is commonly added to public water to kill bacteria, parasites, and viruses. 

While it's generally safe at regulated levels, some people are sensitive to chlorine, which may cause an upset stomach.

Fluoride

Fluoride is another common additive the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends adding to water to help prevent cavities. Most groundwater also contains small amounts of fluoride. 

However, some individuals are sensitive to flouride.

Drinking Water Too Quickly

Gulping down water, even when it’s perfectly safe and if you don’t have sensitivities to additives, may cause you to have a stomach ache.

‍Swallowing down water (or food) too quickly stretches your stomach and can leave you feeling overly full, nauseous, and even cause sharp pains. 

Medical Conditions

Having several medical conditions may cause your stomach to hurt after drinking water. 

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a condition that affects the large intestine.

While the exact cause remains unclear, it can cause a range of symptoms including:

• Abdominal pain.
• Cramping. 
• Bloating.
• Gas.
• Diarrhea.
• Constipation.

Eating and drinking water may trigger IBS symptoms for some individuals.

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Acid Reflux 

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the esophagus.

This can cause symptoms such as:

• Heartburn.
• Chest pain.
• Sour taste in the mouth.

Drinking large amounts of water may stretch the stomach and put pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and worsen stomach acid symptoms.

Ulcers 

Stomach and peptic ulcers are open sores that develop in the lining of the stomach or first part of the small intestine.

They are typically caused by medications or bacterial infections and can make the lining of the stomach very sensitive, causing symptoms such as:

• Stomach pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Feeling full after eating small amounts of food.
• Bloating.
• Belching.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition that affects the stomach’s ability to empty.

It occurs when the nerves that cause the stomach muscles to contract are damaged causing the food to travel slower from the stomach into the intestines.

It’s often associated with diabetes.

Gastroparesis can cause uncomfortable symptoms after eating or drinking, such as:

• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Bloating.
• Stomach pain.

How To Prevent And Manage Stomach Pain When Drinking Water

Typically some simple lifestyle adjustments and mindful choices can help you find relief from stomach pain when drinking water. 

• Sip rather than gulp: Trying sipping water slowly throughout the day instead of gulping down large quantities. 
• Check your water source: Make sure your water is coming from a clean and reliable source, especially when traveling. Opt for factory-sealed bottled water and avoid tap water and ice made from tap water. 
• Consider using a filter: If you think you have sensitivities to additives, consider using a filter certified to remove chlorine or other additives or stick to bottled water.
• Keep a journal: Writing down what you eat and drink during the day and any digestive symptoms you experience can help pinpoint potential triggers.

When To Consult A Medical Professional

It’s a good idea to see your medical professional if you are experiencing pain that is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• Changes in bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation).
• Blood in your stools.
• Vomiting.
• Fever.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Skin rash.
• Joint pain.

Takeaway

Experiencing stomach pain after drinking may be perplexing, but understanding the possible causes may help you develop ways to prevent it. 

However, if you make changes, such as sipping water rather than gulping it, and you are still having pain, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice.

Your healthcare provider can help you find the root cause.

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How A Dietitian Can Help

A registered dietitian can play an important role in helping you learn why you have stomach pain after drinking water.

They can also develop a plan to manage it. 

Through detailed nutritional assessments and possibly guiding you through an elimination diet, registered dietitians can help pinpoint potential food and beverage triggers.

Also, they can also guide you through the specifics of safe food and water choices while traveling.

If you have an underlying digestive disorder, a registered dietitian can also develop an eating plan that helps you manage symptoms and supports your overall health goals.

Find a dietitian who accepts insurance through Nourish.