Bloated stomach, headache and tiredness: what to know

Bloating may come from gas, constipation, food intolerance or irritation in the digestive system. Headache and low energy can appear when you are not drinking enough, have slept poorly, or are fighting an infection. Anaemia can contribute to tiredness and headaches, while coeliac disease may cause digestive symptoms and fatigue. COVID-19 can also cause tiredness and headache, sometimes alongside stomach symptoms.

The timing gives useful clues: note whether symptoms follow meals, travel, alcohol, stress, a new medicine or contact with someone unwell. Persistent fatigue deserves assessment even when bloating is mild.

Rest, sip fluids regularly, choose simple meals if your stomach feels unsettled, and avoid foods that repeatedly trigger symptoms while you keep a record. Do not skip meals if that worsens headache. A clinician may review your medicines and examine you; tests may be considered for anaemia, thyroid or digestive causes based on your history.

Get urgent help for a sudden severe headache, confusion, weakness, stiff neck, trouble breathing, fainting, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, black or bloody stool, or signs of significant dehydration such as very little urine. Seek routine care if symptoms persist, recur, or interfere with work, sleep or eating.

Ask whether your symptoms fit dehydration, anaemia, coeliac disease, infection or another cause. Bring a timeline, food and fluid notes, sleep changes, fever readings, bowel changes and a list of medicines or supplements.