Upset Stomach: Causes, Common Triggers, and What to Do

When your stomach feels tight, bloated, or crampy, you’re dealing with an upset stomach, a common digestive discomfort that can stem from food, stress, or medication side effects. Also known as dyspepsia, it’s not a disease—it’s your body’s way of saying something’s out of balance. Millions deal with it weekly, and most of the time, it’s not serious. But knowing what’s behind it helps you stop guessing and start fixing it.

An upset stomach, a common digestive discomfort that can stem from food, stress, or medication side effects. Also known as dyspepsia, it’s not a disease—it’s your body’s way of saying something’s out of balance. Many times, it’s tied to acid reflux, when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing burning or sour taste. Other times, it’s indigestion, a feeling of fullness, bloating, or discomfort after eating, often linked to fatty meals or eating too fast. And let’s not forget nausea, the queasy feeling that often comes with an upset stomach, sometimes leading to vomiting. These aren’t random symptoms—they’re clues. Take omeprazole, for example. It helps acid reflux, but in some people, it can actually cause stomach upset. Or amitriptyline, an antidepressant that often leads to constipation, which can make your stomach feel heavy and bloated. Even caffeine can trigger cramps or nausea if you’re sensitive. These aren’t just side effects—they’re connections.

What you eat, what you take, and even how you sleep can all play a role. Some people get an upset stomach after dairy, others after spicy food. Some notice it after starting a new pill. Others feel it when they’re stressed or skip meals. It’s rarely one thing. That’s why the posts below cover real cases: how certain drugs like methadone or statins can mess with digestion, how acid-reducing meds might backfire, and how lifestyle habits quietly worsen things. You’ll find practical fixes—not just "avoid spicy food" advice, but real steps you can take today based on what’s actually happening in your body.