Experiencing postprandial pain from time to time usually isn’t a concern.
Severe pain may require immediate medical care.
Learn about the causes of stomach pain and when it may be serious.
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Trouble often starts when people give a shot to exceed this capacity.
The stomach must stretch to make room for extra food, which can cause discomfort or pain.
Eating too quicklywhich often causes overeatingcan cause you to swallow extra air, causing bloating and gas.
These are, in fact, two of the primary triggers forabdominal painafter a meal.
Taking intermittent sips of water can also help fill you up so that you don’t overeat.
It affects about 25% of Americans each year.
Indigestion can become chronic, meaning long term.
If a specific cause cannot be found, you may have what’s called functional dyspepsia.
Food Intolerances and Allergies
Many people confusefood allergiesand food intolerances.
This is largely because some of the symptomsstomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomitingcan be similar.
Food intolerances are because of the body’s inability to digest a certain ingredient in food.
For example, a lack of the enzyme lactase causeslactose intolerance, or issues with dairy.
In this case, consuming smaller portions or a lactose-free product can help prevent abdominal pain.
People with food allergies must avoid certain foods or ingredients entirely.
Trigger foods can set off an abnormal immune response that, in some cases, can be life-threatening.
They will look at your medical history and may run tests to confirm your hunch.
Food Poisoning
One of the key symptoms offood poisoningis stomach pain.
Food poisoning normally only lasts a few days and can usually be treated at home with rest and fluids.
People with GERD have symptoms regularly.
Stomach acid can damage the esophagus.
Talk with your healthcare provider if you experience acid reflux often.
Food, stress, constipation, and diarrhea are all possible triggers.
Pain from IBScan occur in the upper, middle, and lower parts of the belly.
It can also spread to the upper parts of the torso.
Up to 30% of people who have dyspepsia also have IBS.
Gallstones sometimes cause pain after eating, especially if a meal is large or high in fat.
Some people have gallbladder pain on an empty stomach.
It can even wake them from sleep.
Pain like this is sometimes calledbiliary colic.
This kind of pain needs medical attention right away.
If your gallbladder is inflamed, it can be serious.
You may even need surgery.
If left untreated, gallstones can cause complications.
See a healthcare provider if your pain is:
Other symptoms of gallstones may include nausea and vomiting.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis(inflammation of the pancreas) can cause pain after eating.
The pain often starts in the upper abdomen and spreads around to the back.
If you don’t, it can lead to certain cancers of the gut.
Crohn’s disease is a long-term condition that causes inflammation along the digestive tract.
The most common symptoms are abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, and weight loss.
Ulcerative colitis causes inflammation affecting the large intestine (colon).
Inflammation usually begins in the rectum and may spread up into the other parts of the colon.
Infection
Infections of the gastrointestinal tract can cause abdominal cramps and/or pain after eating.
This is true for viral as well asbacterial gastroenteritis.
Common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis includeE.
coli, salmonella, and campylobacter.
Since the gallbladder may also be slower to empty, it’s possible that gallstones may eventually form.
Plus, the growing uterus can press against the digestive tract.
A proper diagnosis is the first step toward a treatment plan.
If you experience pain now and then, there may not be any cause for concern.
If it happens often, see your healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
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Northwestern Medicine.Quick dose: Is eating too fast unhealthy?
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U.S. Department of Agriculture.What is the difference between food allergy and food intolerance?
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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of pancreatitis.
National Institute for Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Peptic ulcers.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Symptoms & causes of Crohn’s disease.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Ulcerative colitis.
Celiac Disease Foundation.Symptoms of celiac disease.
Johns Hopkins Medicine.Bacterial gastroenteritis.
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