Abdominal pain can result from many different conditions, including infections, foodborne illness, ulcers, and certain types of cancer.
Stomach discomfort and dizziness frequently occur together. To help identify the cause, it’s useful to pay attention to which symptom appeared first.
Pain in the abdominal area may be focused in one spot or spread across the stomach and even radiate to other parts of the body. Dizziness—which can feel like unsteadiness, imbalance, or faintness—often develops after abdominal pain as a secondary symptom.
Symptoms to watch for
Abdominal pain may be described as:
sharp
dull
gnawing
constant
intermittent
burning
cramping
recurring or episodic
Any intense pain can trigger feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness. In many situations, stomach pain and dizziness resolve on their own, especially with rest. Sitting or lying down may help reduce symptoms.
However, if these symptoms occur alongside others—such as vision changes or bleeding—they may indicate a more serious health issue.
You should contact a doctor if your symptoms are the result of an injury, interfere with everyday activities, or steadily worsen over time.
In uncommon cases, pain that starts in the chest can feel like abdominal pain, often shifting to the upper stomach area.
Medical emergency warning
Call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately if you experience possible signs of a heart attack, including:
irregular heartbeat
dizziness or faintness
chest discomfort
shortness of breath
pain or pressure in the shoulders, neck, arms, back, jaw, or teeth
cool, clammy, or sweaty skin
nausea or vomiting
Possible causes of stomach pain and dizziness
These symptoms may be associated with a wide range of conditions, such as:
appendicitis
ectopic pregnancy
pancreatitis
food poisoning
gastrointestinal bleeding
poisoning from substances like aftershave, fertilizers, or plant food
toxic megacolon
perforation of the stomach or intestines
abdominal aortic aneurysm
peritonitis
stomach cancer
adrenal crisis
alcoholic ketoacidosis
anxiety disorders
agoraphobia
kidney stones
low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
ileus
chemical burns
stomach flu
abdominal migraine
medication allergies
indigestion
premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or painful periods
peripheral vascular disease
isopropyl alcohol poisoning
endometriosis
motion sickness
overexertion during exercise
dehydration
Stomach pain and dizziness after meals
Post-meal low blood pressure
If you feel dizzy and experience stomach pain after eating, a sudden drop in blood pressure may be the cause. This condition is known as postprandial hypotension.
During digestion, blood flow increases to the stomach and intestines. Normally, the heart adjusts to keep blood pressure stable throughout the body. When this adjustment doesn’t happen properly, symptoms may include:
dizziness
abdominal discomfort
chest pain
nausea
blurry vision
This condition is more common in older adults and individuals with impaired nerve or blood pressure regulation.
Stomach ulcers
A stomach (gastric) ulcer is an open sore in the stomach lining. Pain often appears a few hours after eating. Other possible symptoms include:
mild nausea
feeling overly full
pain in the upper abdomen
blood in the stool or urine
chest discomfort
Many ulcers remain unnoticed until complications such as bleeding occur, which can lead to dizziness and abdominal pain due to blood loss.
When to seek medical care
Get medical help right away if pain lasts longer than 7 to 10 days or becomes severe enough to disrupt daily life.
Contact a healthcare provider immediately if abdominal pain and dizziness are accompanied by:
changes in vision
chest pain
high fever
stiff neck
severe headache
fainting
shoulder or neck pain
intense pelvic pain
shortness of breath
uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea
vaginal pain or bleeding
weakness
blood in urine or stool
Make a doctor’s appointment if any of the following persist for more than 24 hours:
acid reflux
blood in urine
headaches
heartburn
itchy or blistering rash
painful urination
unexplained tiredness
worsening symptoms
How doctors determine the cause
To diagnose the issue, a doctor will perform a physical exam and review your medical history. Providing clear details about your symptoms can help narrow down the cause.
For instance, pain in the upper abdomen may point to gallbladder disease, pancreatitis, or ulcers, while pain in the lower right abdomen may suggest appendicitis, kidney stones, or ovarian cysts.
It’s also important to describe dizziness accurately. Lightheadedness feels like you might faint, while vertigo creates the sensation that the room is spinning.
Vertigo is more often linked to inner ear or sensory system problems rather than circulation issues.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Some conditions, such as stomach ulcers, may require medication or surgery, while others improve with rest and hydration.
In many cases—including food poisoning, stomach flu, and motion sickness—symptoms resolve without medical treatment.
If vomiting or diarrhea is present, staying hydrated is essential. Sitting or lying down can also help ease symptoms. Medications may be recommended to reduce stomach discomfort or dizziness when needed.
Preventing stomach pain and dizziness
Tobacco, alcohol, and caffeine are commonly associated with abdominal discomfort and dizziness. Limiting or avoiding these substances may help reduce symptoms.
Drinking enough water during intense physical activity can help prevent dehydration and stomach cramps. When exercising in hot conditions, aim for about 8 to 12 ounces of water every 15 minutes.
Avoid pushing your body to the point of vomiting, fainting, or injury during exercise.