Upset Stomach (2024)

FAQs

How do you say your stomach is upset professionally? ›

When informing your boss about your sick leave, keep things to the point without over-explaining your illness and symptoms. Instead, briefly explain why you're taking a sick leave (e.g. contagious illness such as flu and cold, stomach flu or family issues) and state your approximation of the period you'll be away.

Dear [Recipient's Name], I am writing to inform you that I am unable to attend [school/work] due to severe stomach pain. I have been experiencing discomfort since [mention when the pain started, e.g., yesterday, today]. As a result, I kindly request your approval for my leave of absence on [specific date(s)].

“I can't come to work today. I have (respiratory or GI or flu-like) symptoms. I'll let you know when I am better.” “I am sick and unable to work today.”

◊ If you have an upset stomach, you have an unpleasant feeling in your stomach because of illness or because of something you have eaten. I had an upset stomach after eating all those cookies. My stomach was upset and I felt like I might throw up.

Don't go into too much detail about your illness, as it can put some people off. For example, say, “I woke up with a cold and a stomach bug, so I'm not coming into work today in case it's contagious,” but don't add how high your temperature is and what medication you're taking.

Singhal says it's commonly believed that the tiny air bubbles in carbonated drinks may help promote digestion and ease an upset stomach.

You can also try applying a warm compress to your stomach, such as a heating pad or warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. This can help alleviate pain and cramping. Moreover, drinking a cup of warm water with a teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon juice can help to soothe an upset stomach.

If you're having trouble keeping liquids down, try sucking on ice chips and taking small sips of water. You can also drink noncaffeinated sodas, such as Sprite, 7UP or ginger ale. Take care to avoid caffeinated sodas, since caffeine can make your upset stomach worse.

Is an upset stomach a good excuse to miss work? ›

Medical: It's usually a good idea to call out of work for illnesses such as fever, flu or upset stomach. Employers want to keep their other employees well, so calling out of work for these reasons can actually benefit your company in addition to helping you recover.

Don't feel you have to get too detailed.

If a colleague asks why you cancelled a meeting with them, saying something like, “My digestive system was playing up and I felt really unwell” can give some information and be an opening for further detail if you want.

You don't need to say the specific condition you have, if you don't feel comfortable. Rather, feel free to leave it as “digestive issues,” “cramps,” or a “GI condition,” as that's usually the most detail that people want or need to hear anyway.

Your boss should respect your privacy, so a simple call letting them know that you're ill is all you may need. It might be in your company's policy that you need to give some details about why you're missing work. If that's the case, just mention that you have stomach cramps or digestive issues.

Use calm, professional language to convey your feelings and avoid raising your voice or using profanities. Speak primarily in “I” statements that place focus on yourself and how you feel in order to avoid antagonizing the other person. For example: “I'm concerned and hurt by how things occurred last week.”

Indigestion — also called dyspepsia or an upset stomach — is discomfort in your upper abdomen. Indigestion describes certain symptoms, such as belly pain and a feeling of fullness soon after you start eating, rather than a specific disease. Indigestion can also be a symptom of other digestive disorders.