A stomach ache on holiday can quickly turn an enjoyable trip into an uncomfortable experience. Whether you are visiting Barcelona, travelling around Spain or spending a few days at the beach, experiencing abdominal discomfort can make it difficult to enjoy your plans.
There are many possible reasons for stomach issues when travelling. A change in diet, eating more heavily than usual, alcohol, stress, constipation, food intolerance or an infection can all cause abdominal discomfort. In some cases, travellers develop diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting together with their stomach pain, which may be consistent with a gastrointestinal infection or foodborne illness.
The good news is that many common causes of stomach pain are temporary and improve within a few days. However, severe or persistent symptoms should not simply be attributed to something you ate.
Stomach pain or digestive problems while in Barcelona?
Speak with a qualified doctor about your symptoms, possible causes and the most appropriate next steps.
Same-day appointments available online, at your hotel, at home or at our clinic in Barcelona.
Get Medical Advice TodayIn this guide, we explain what causes stomach problems, which foods may be easier to tolerate, what people often mean when they search for a Spain stomach bug, and when it is advisable to seek medical attention in Barcelona.
What causes stomach problems on holiday?
There are many possible causes of painful stomach symptoms while travelling. The location, intensity and duration of the pain, together with other symptoms, can provide useful clues.
One of the most common explanations is simply a change in your normal routine. Holidays often involve different meals, larger portions, more alcohol, less sleep and more physical activity.
Common causes can include:
- Indigestion or overeating.
- Gas and bloating.
- Food intolerance.
- Stress or anxiety.
- Alcohol consumption.
- Gastrointestinal infections.
- Food poisoning.
- Changes in your usual diet.
- Certain medications.
A stomach ache accompanied by watery diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting can be associated with gastroenteritis or foodborne illness. By contrast, bloating and discomfort after eating may be more consistent with indigestion or trapped gas.
Stomach ache, cramps or something more serious?
A mild stomach ache is common and often resolves without specific treatment. However, the type of pain matters.
Aching pain in stomach
An aching pain in stomach that is mild and improves with rest may be related to indigestion, bloating or changes in eating habits.
If the pain persists, repeatedly returns or progressively becomes worse, however, it should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Painful stomach ache
A painful stomach ache can have many different causes. Sudden or severe abdominal pain should not automatically be assumed to be a stomach bug.
The NHS advises urgent medical assessment for abdominal pain that becomes much worse, does not go away or is associated with symptoms such as bleeding, persistent diarrhoea or other concerning changes. Sudden severe abdominal pain can require emergency assessment.
Stomach cramps and pain
Stomach cramps and pain can occur with gastroenteritis, food poisoning, constipation and other gastrointestinal problems. When cramps occur together with diarrhoea or vomiting, maintaining adequate hydration becomes particularly important.
If you have severe abdominal pain, blood in your stool, persistent vomiting, significant dehydration or feel seriously unwell, seek medical attention rather than relying on self-care.
Stomach issues when travelling: could food be responsible?
Food is an important consideration when you develop stomach issues when travelling.
Eating unfamiliar foods does not necessarily mean that the food is unsafe. However, contaminated food or drinks can transmit bacteria, viruses and parasites that cause gastrointestinal illness.
The CDC recommends taking appropriate food and water precautions while travelling, particularly in destinations where sanitation and water safety may be uncertain.
Even in countries with high food-safety standards, foodborne infections can occur.
Stomach pain or digestive problems while in Barcelona?
Speak with a qualified doctor about your symptoms, possible causes and the most appropriate next steps.
Same-day appointments available online, at your hotel, at home or at our clinic in Barcelona.
Get Medical Advice Today
Good foods for a stomach ache
When you have a bad stomach on holiday, you may not feel like eating. If you are able to eat, choosing smaller and simpler meals may be easier to tolerate.
What are good foods for a stomach ache?
There is no single food that cures stomach pain, and the ideal diet depends on the underlying cause. However, if you have mild gastrointestinal symptoms, you may find these options easier to tolerate:
- Toast or plain bread.
- White rice.
- Plain pasta.
- Clear soups or broth.
- Cooked vegetables.
- Small portions of lean chicken or fish, if tolerated.
If you have diarrhoea or vomiting, maintaining fluid intake is particularly important. Oral rehydration solutions can help replace fluids and electrolytes when substantial fluid loss occurs.
What should you avoid with an upset stomach?
Depending on your symptoms, temporarily reducing certain foods and drinks may help.
You may wish to avoid:
- Large or very fatty meals.
- Very spicy food.
- Excessive alcohol.
- Large amounts of caffeine.
- Very sugary drinks.
- Foods that you know trigger your digestive symptoms.
You do not necessarily need to follow an extremely restrictive diet. As your symptoms improve, you can gradually return to your normal meals.
What about meds for stomach ache?
People searching for meds for stomach ache should be aware that the right medication depends on what is causing the pain.
For example, medicines used for indigestion are not necessarily appropriate for constipation, diarrhoea or an infection. A pharmacist can help with advice about medicines for some common causes of stomach pain.
Avoid taking medication simply to mask severe or unexplained abdominal pain. If pain is intense, persistent or associated with concerning symptoms, medical assessment is more appropriate than self-treatment.
Contact Medical Care Barcelona
If you develop a stomach ache on holiday in Barcelona and are unsure what is causing your symptoms, Medical Care Barcelona can provide professional medical advice.
Medical Care Barcelona provides private medical consultations for tourists, international visitors, expats and residents in Barcelona. Depending on your situation, consultations are available online or through visits to your hotel or home.
An English-speaking doctor in Barcelona can assess your symptoms, discuss possible causes and advise whether you need further medical evaluation or treatment.
If you are feeling unwell while travelling, you do not necessarily need to navigate an unfamiliar healthcare system on your own. Medical Care Barcelona offers medical care designed for international patients in Barcelona, including hotel and home visits.
If your stomach pain is severe, persistent or worrying you, contact a healthcare professional rather than waiting for it to resolve on its own.
A stomach ache on holiday can have many different causes, from indigestion and constipation to foodborne illness or gastroenteritis. Understanding the possible causes can help you decide whether simple self-care is appropriate or whether you need medical advice.
If you have mild symptoms, resting, staying hydrated and choosing good foods for a stomach ache may help while your digestive system recovers. However, severe or persistent stomach cramps and pain, significant vomiting, blood in the stool or sudden severe abdominal pain should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
Whether you are dealing with a suspected Barcelona stomach bug, an upset stomach after eating or unexplained abdominal pain, getting appropriate medical advice can help you recover and get back to enjoying your time in Spain.
Stomach pain or digestive problems while in Barcelona?
Speak with a qualified doctor about your symptoms, possible causes and the most appropriate next steps.
Same-day appointments available online, at your hotel, at home or at our clinic in Barcelona.
Get Medical Advice Today
