An uncomfortable feeling in the stomach described as heaviness may be related to something you’ve eaten. That said, it could also signify an underlying health condition that may require medical treatment.
Heaviness in the stomach, also referred to as the abdomen, is a symptom that may occur alongside other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms.
There doesn’t appear to be any definition or broadly endorsed use of stomach heaviness, and very limited research has examined the symptom itself.
However, heaviness in the stomach is sometimes used to describe other GI conditions.
Keep reading to learn more about the symptoms, causes, and treatments for heaviness in the stomach.
Heaviness in the stomach is sometimes used to describe a variety of symptoms, such as:
- bloating
- sense of fullness
- distension (abdominal swelling)
- early satiety (early fullness)
- stomach pain
Depending on the underlying cause, these symptoms may also be accompanied by other symptoms.
For example, indigestion may cause additional symptoms like:
- bloating
- feeling full
- belching
- flatulence
- heartburn
- acid reflux
If your physical symptoms persist or worsen, and they’re affecting your overall sense of well-being, consider talking with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive examination.
When is heaviness in the stomach a medical emergency?
It’s important to get immediate medical attention if you experience the following symptoms:
- difficulty breathing
- severe, sudden pain in your stomach
- bloody vomiting
- bloody or black, tarry stools
- stomach pain following an injury
- high fever
- chest pain
The causes of stomach heaviness and related symptoms like bloating, distension, and flatulence may range from one-off eating habits to more severe, chronic health conditions.
Eating habits
A common cause of bloating and temporary heaviness in your stomach may be related to your eating habits. For example, these may
- too much
- too quickly
- too often
- foods that contain fiber, lactose, or fructose
- certain foods and consuming certain beverages, such as cruciferous vegetables, legumes, dairy, carbonated drinks, and wheat
Temporary causes
Sometimes symptoms like stomach heaviness, bloating, and pain may result from a temporary condition, such as:
Some medications may also slow down your body’s digestion process, which could lead to feelings of fullness and stomach heaviness, among other symptoms. These medications may
If you’re taking any of these medications and experience unexplained symptoms like stomach pain, consider speaking with a healthcare professional. They could assess your treatment plan and modify it to improve stomach symptoms.
Long-term causes
Symptoms that may be related to stomach heaviness, such as bloating, abdominal pain, and fullness, could be a sign of an underlying health condition that requires medical treatment. Only a healthcare professional could determine if this is your case.
These conditions may include:
- functional gastrointestinal disorders
- gastroparesis
- gastritis
- hiatal hernia
- pancreatitis
- gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis
- esophagitis
- peptic ulcers
- ovarian, colorectal, or stomach cancer
Per the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), if you experience symptoms like bloating for longer than 3 weeks, speak with a healthcare professional. They could provide a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan for your condition.
Treatment options for heaviness in the stomach and related symptoms like bloating will depend on the underlying cause but may include a combination of:
- lifestyle changes
- medications
- surgery
- herbal remedies
Lifestyle changes
Lifestyle changes may be the first step to treating heaviness in the stomach if it’s caused by gas in the digestive tract. They may
- avoiding or limiting certain foods if they cause symptoms, such as high fiber foods, cruciferous vegetables, fatty foods, and added sugars
- avoiding or limiting carbonated drinks, alcohol, and caffeine
- eating slower, taking smaller bites, and eating smaller meals
- staying physically active, such as exercising more often
- quitting smoking if you smoke
It’s important to note that specific lifestyle changes will also depend on the underlying cause. For example, the NHS recommends eating high fiber foods if you’re constipated.
Medications
Some over-the-counter (OTC) medications could help relieve symptoms associated with a variety of GI symptoms, such as bloating, heartburn, and constipation. These medications may include:
- antacids (Tums, Rolaids, Mylanta)
- laxatives
- oral suspension medications (Pepto-Bismol, Carafate)
- H2 receptor blockers, such as cimetidine (Tagamet HB), famotidine (Pepcid AC), or nizatidine (Axid AR)
- proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), such as lansoprazole (Prevacid 24 HR), omeprazole (Prilosec OTC, Zegerid OTC)
It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any OTC medications. They could help evaluate your stomach symptoms and likely come up with the best treatment plan.
If OTC medications do not help your symptoms, the doctor may prescribe stronger medications.
For example, if GERD is causing your symptoms, a doctor
Some herbal remedies may also be combined with other treatments to help relieve GI symptoms like bloating and stomach pain,
It’s important to note that research on the efficacy of herbal remedies is limited and mixed.
Speak with a healthcare professional before trying an herbal remedy. They could likely help evaluate whether it will interfere with any medications you’re taking or aggravate other medical conditions you may have.
What causes a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen?
A feeling of heaviness in the abdomen may describe symptoms like bloating, constipation, and stomach pain. Short-term symptoms like bloating may be caused by eating too quickly or eating certain types of food. However, long-term GI symptoms may be a sign of an underlying health condition like GERD, gastritis, or gastroparesis, among others.
How do you release stomach pressure?
It depends on the cause of the pressure. Some ways to help relieve stomach pressure due to indigestion and other gastrointestinal causes may include OTC and prescription medications, natural remedies, and changes in your diet.
There’s no exact definition of heaviness in the stomach, but the phrase is often used to describe an uncomfortable feeling or pressure in your stomach that may be associated with bloating, belching, and a feeling of fullness.
Some potential causes include following certain eating habits, taking certain medications, and having an underlying health condition that may require medical treatment.
If GI symptoms related to heaviness in your stomach persist, speak with a doctor. They could provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan for relief.