Overview
Abdominal discomfort may feel sharp, aching, or burning and is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as a decreased desire to eat. When pain is intense, it can make eating feel uncomfortable or unappealing.
At the same time, not eating enough can also lead to stomach pain. Skipping meals or eating very little may irritate the stomach and trigger discomfort. Loss of appetite refers to a lack of interest in food during times when you would normally eat.
A wide range of medical conditions, emotional factors, and lifestyle habits can contribute to both abdominal pain and appetite loss.
What can cause abdominal pain and loss of appetite?
Your abdomen contains several organs, including the stomach, intestines, liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, gallbladder, and appendix. Pain may develop if one or more of these organs are affected.
In some cases, emotional or mental health factors—such as stress, anxiety, grief, or depression—can also play a role, even when no clear physical cause is present.
Digestive-related causes
Conditions affecting the digestive system that may lead to abdominal pain and poor appetite include:
viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu)
acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
Crohn’s disease
gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
ulcerative colitis (UC)
peptic ulcers
celiac disease or gluten sensitivity
blockage of the bile ducts
gallstones
bacterial gastroenteritis
E. coli infection
peritonitis
appendicitis
acute or chronic pancreatitis
Infections and inflammatory conditions
Some infections and inflammatory diseases can also cause these symptoms, including:
hepatitis
yellow fever
typhus
tuberculosis
sarcoidosis
brucellosis
leishmaniasis
West Nile virus infection
botulism
chlamydia infection
urethritis
chickenpox
infectious mononucleosis
hookworm infection
giardiasis
Medication-related causes
Certain medications and treatments may irritate the stomach or suppress appetite. If you think a medication is contributing to your symptoms, talk with a healthcare provider before making changes.
Medications that may cause these effects include:
chemotherapy drugs
antibiotics
codeine
morphine
Misuse of substances such as alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, or heroin can also result in stomach pain and appetite loss.
Other possible causes
Additional conditions that may lead to abdominal pain and reduced appetite include:
food poisoning
chronic kidney disease or kidney failure
chronic liver disease or liver failure
underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
pregnancy, especially early pregnancy
acetaminophen overdose
diabetic ketoacidosis
alcoholic ketoacidosis
hyperparathyroidism
Wilms’ tumor
aortic dissection
alcoholic liver disease
chemical burns
cirrhosis
thalassemia
pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
leukemia
testicular torsion
medication allergies
adrenal crisis (Addisonian crisis)
pancreatic cancer
underactive pituitary gland (hypopituitarism)
Addison’s disease
stomach cancer
alcohol use disorder
ectopic pregnancy
ovarian cancer
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
When to seek medical care
Get emergency medical help right away if abdominal pain and appetite loss occur with:
fainting
blood in the stool
vomiting blood
ongoing or uncontrollable vomiting
yellowing of the skin or eyes
thoughts of self-harm
feeling that life is no longer worth living
Make an appointment with a doctor if you experience:
abdominal swelling or bloating
diarrhea lasting longer than two days
sudden or unexplained weight loss
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
You should also contact a healthcare provider if abdominal pain and appetite loss last more than two days, even without other symptoms, as this may signal a condition that needs treatment.
This information is general and not a substitute for medical care. Seek immediate help if you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency.
How abdominal pain and loss of appetite are treated
Treatment focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying cause. A doctor will usually begin by reviewing your symptoms and medical history and asking questions about the type, timing, and severity of your pain.
You may also be asked about new medications, recent meals, exposure to illness, or travel. Blood tests, urine tests, stool samples, or imaging studies may be ordered if needed.
Your treatment plan will depend on the diagnosis. Your healthcare provider can explain your options and what to expect.
If you suspect a medication is causing your symptoms, do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
Easing symptoms at home
Along with medical treatment, certain at-home measures may help reduce discomfort:
drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
eat smaller meals more frequently
choose bland, easy-to-digest foods
Gentle food options include:
applesauce
plain oatmeal
toast
white rice
crackers
clear soups or broth
eggs
Avoid spicy, raw, or high-fiber foods while symptoms continue.
If your symptoms are caused by a viral illness such as the stomach flu, rest and clear fluids are especially important.
Preventing abdominal pain and appetite loss
You may reduce your risk by:
avoiding raw or undercooked foods to prevent foodborne illness
washing hands often to reduce infection risk
limiting alcohol intake and avoiding illicit drugs
supporting mental health through stress-reduction practices like exercise, meditation, or journaling
asking a doctor or pharmacist how to reduce stomach-related side effects from medications, such as taking them with food
These steps may help lower the chances of developing abdominal pain and changes in appetite.