Is Stomach Pain After Having Eaten A Serious Problem?
Though stomach pain can be a common symptom of many issues, feeling sick regularly can feel uncomfortable and distracting. You might feel that an upset stomach is an insignificant symptom or something to ignore. However, stomach pain can be an underlying cause of many physical and psychological conditions, and it's important to pay attention to your gastrointestinal health.
Allergies
In recent years, there has been an increase in allergic reactions or food intolerances to certain foods. Experts theorize that allergies have increased due to changing environments and increased sterilization in many cultures. Additionally, more allergy testing may be available now than in the past, including simple blood test options.
A moderate food allergy may lead to difficulty in the digestive tract, stomach cramps, abnormal bowel movements, and other symptoms. In some cases, over-the-counter pain medications may be beneficial, but speak to your doctor about when to use these medications.
If your stomach hurts after eating, you may choose to speak to a doctor about the potential for food allergies or celiac disease. Celiac disease is a chronic immune disease that can cause intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When people with celiac disease eat gluten, their immune system attacks their small intestine, causing damage and inflammation. This can lead to a range of negative gastrointestinal symptoms, including stomach ache, bloating, abdominal cramping, persistent diarrhea, and weight loss.
Lactose intolerance is another potential culprit to consider when experiencing digestive symptoms such as abdominal cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea, particularly if these symptoms occur after consuming dairy products. Lactose intolerance is a common condition that affects people who have difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. While lactose intolerance is not typically life-threatening, it can cause significant discomfort and may exacerbate chronic gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
To keep track of food intolerances yourself, consider keeping a food diary. By keeping track of what you eat and how you feel after you eat it, you may be able to find a food product that your body has trouble digesting. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist to develop a plan when you've noticed a pattern.
Allergies can cause a range of physical symptoms, including severe pain, difficulty swallowing, fatigue, mood changes, weight loss, and other negative gastrointestinal symptoms. If you experience pain after eating, it may be worth the effort to identify the specific food that is causing the reaction so you can prevent stomach pain and enjoy your meals.
A physical condition
If you notice stomach pain or chest pain after eating and it's not a recurring symptom, it may be a sign of foodborne illness or another physical condition. A cold or stomach flu may affect the digestive system and create an abnormal immune response, making your stomach hurt as a result. If you start to have stomach pain after a snack, along with other symptoms, you may be experiencing the early stages of an illness. Drink water, rest, and seek medical attention if you experience shortness of breath, chest pains, or a fever.
In the case of foodborne illness, there is a chance that food can make you sick if it is expired or prepared incorrectly. Common symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and other flu-like symptoms. To prevent foodborne illness, avoid cross-contamination of bacteria, and check expiry dates. In foods such as chicken and pork, ensure you cook the meat to its recommended inner temperature and wash your hands after touching raw meat.
Illnesses and foodborne diseases can require medical attention, as the body may quickly become dehydrated. If symptoms progress quickly and suddenly, or you have a medical emergency, get medical attention as soon as possible.
Common gastrointestinal and digestive system issues
Below are a couple of common gastrointestinal and digestive system issues that may cause pain in the stomach after eating. A physical exam from your doctor can help diagnose these conditions.
Acid reflux
Acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are digestive disorders that involve the flow of stomach acid back up into the esophagus, causing symptoms such as stomach aches and a burning sensation in the chest and throat. Treatment requires managing symptoms and avoiding alcohol consumption and specific foods that can trigger acid reflux, such as fried foods, citrus fruits, and spicy food. Over-the-counter medication, such as antacids, may help relieve symptoms. In more serious cases, surgery may be recommended.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a medical condition that may cause trouble with digestion and is often linked to stress and anxiety disorders. The cause of IBS isn't known, and many people are diagnosed based on symptoms. These symptoms can include a swollen stomach or bloating, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation. If your stomach hurts after eating, talk to your doctor about IBS.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) refers to conditions brought on by inflammation in the intestinal tract. The two conditions under the IBD umbrella are Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn's Disease. Ulcerative Colitis occurs in the large intestine only. It is categorized by stomach ulcers, such as peptic ulcers appearing on the intestinal and stomach lining because of an overactive immune system. A peptic ulcer can often be treated with prescription medications for the underlying cause.
Crohn's disease, on the other hand, may occur throughout the digestive system in the upper abdomen and small intestine. If you constantly feel upper abdominal pain, speak to a doctor about IBD.
Ulcers
Another common gastrointestinal issue is a stomach ulcer. Ulcers develop in the stomach or intestine and can make it uncomfortable to digest. These are often caused by stress, continued inflammation, or an unknown allergy. Though a stomach ulcer can be treated, it may worsen if unrecognized for an extended period.
IBS, ulcers, and other gastrointestinal issues often require a person to change their diet. Spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, and acidic foods may all irritate sensitive stomachs.
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Gallstones
Gallstones could also be the cause of stomach pain. Gallstones are hard pieces typically made of cholesterol or bilirubin that can develop in the gallbladder, block the bile duct, and cause intense pain in the abdomen. If large enough, gallstones could also cause intestinal blockage.
Mental health conditions
Mental health conditions may include symptoms related to the digestive system. Below are a few mental health conditions that could cause this.
Eating disorders
Eating disorders are mental health conditions related to food and eating. Some eating disorders may cause gastrointestinal distress. The brain and stomach are connected, and negative views about food may cause stomach pain after eating. Additionally, if food is restricted, purged, or binged, the stomach may react with pain or other distressing symptoms.
People with eating disorders may have trouble disconnecting unproductive thought patterns around food from healthy ones. Receiving treatment from a physician and therapist simultaneously can be a way to reduce symptoms.
Anxiety disorders
Anxiety often manifests in repetitive thought patterns and physiological symptoms like stomach cramping or nausea. Many individuals who experience an anxiety disorder may also have trouble sticking to a routine food schedule.
Depression
Depression may also cause discomfort after eating. Often, people with depression may not feel hunger signals or ignore them due to mental health symptoms. Not eating over extended periods could make it challenging to reintroduce foods and may cause stomach pain.
Counseling
If you feel there are mental health connections to your stomach pain after eating, seeking the help of a therapist may be valuable. Even in cases where physical symptoms accompany mental health concerns, they can be valid symptoms that may require medical care. In these circumstances, speaking to a medical doctor and a therapist can be necessary.
You might benefit from online therapy if you feel nervous about leaving home or struggle with stomach-related symptoms in public. Online therapy has also been proven beneficial in treating common mental health conditions that could cause stomach pain, such as anxiety.
If you're managing a chronic diagnosis or experiencing anxiety regarding food, it may be beneficial to seek professional help. Online platforms like BetterHelp for adults have licensed therapists that may assist you with your food-related symptoms.
Takeaway
Experiencing stomach pain after eating can be distressing and may make eating a healthy diet feel challenging. If you relate, consider contacting your primary care physician to determine a cause. If you determine together that the cause is related to mental health, you may also choose to reach out to a counselor for further support.
How do I know if my stomach pain is serious?
Stomach pain from common, mostly harmless causes like gas, constipation, or indigestion usually passes within two to four hours. The pain from common conditions is often uncomfortable but bearable. Abdominal pain that is severe and persistent is the first clue of a serious underlying condition.
Similarly, extreme pain during movement or when touching the abdomen may indicate a severe problem. Some conditions, like bloating, may become more uncomfortable when pressure is applied to the abdominal area. However, the pain is generally not debilitating. In contrast, conditions like biliary colic, which is caused by gallstones blocking the bile duct of the biliary tree, can produce sudden and severe pain. Any pain that is severe enough to be incapacitating should be considered a medical emergency that requires the immediate attention of a healthcare provider.
Even if the pain is not debilitating, a medical professional should evaluate abdominal discomfort that lasts for longer than a day if you are unsure of the cause. In addition to severe or persistent pain, you should seek immediate medical attention if any of the following are true:
- Your pain extends beyond the abdomen into the chest, neck, or shoulder.
- You're experiencing bloody vomit or diarrhea.
- You have black, tarry stools.
- You have a high fever.
- Your abdominal pain is making it difficult to breathe.
- Your abdomen is stiff, rigid, and tender to the touch.
Why does my stomach hurt for days?
Chronic abdominal pain is associated with several medical conditions. If your stomach is hurting for days at a time, you should consider seeking the guidance of a medical professional. If your stomach pain is severe, debilitating, and began recently, seek immediate medical attention.
Stomach aches that persist for days might be caused by an underlying medical condition, dietary issues, or mental health concerns like anxiety. Evaluation by a licensed medical professional is the only way to determine if your symptoms are due to a medical condition or some other cause.
One study examined the records of patients who visited their primary care provider to address chronic abdominal pain. Of those patients, the following conditions were the most common diagnoses:
- Gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, most commonly caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The cause of IBS is still being investigated, but it results in abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation.
- Urological Causes. Urological causes of abdominal pain can include kidney stones, sexually transmitted infections, or urinary tract infections.
- Gastritis. Gastritis is an inflammation of the stomach lining. It is typically caused by excessive alcohol consumption, smoking cigarettes, infection, or physical injury.
What are the symptoms of dyspepsia?
Dyspepsia refers to pain or discomfort felt in the upper middle part of the abdomen. It is typically chronic; it may fade for a while, but the pain tends to be present most of the time. Dyspepsia is not usually a medical emergency and can be caused by several things, including acid reflux or a food allergy. Often, the exact cause of dyspepsia cannot be determined.
The common symptoms of dyspepsia include:
- Gnawing or burning stomach pains.
- Gassiness and bloating.
- Heartburn.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Excessive belching.
Dyspepsia is typically treated with medication that reduces the amount of acid in the stomach. If symptoms fail to improve, doctors often order a procedure called an endoscopy, in which a small tube with a camera is inserted into the stomach through the mouth. Medical professionals can then look at the stomach lining directly to search for likely causes.
What to eat for stomach pain?
Medical experts agree that sticking to bland foods likely leads to the best outcomes when managing stomach pain. A highly regimented bland diet decreases the workload of the digestive system by allowing only easy-to-digest foods. Doctors generally prescribe a bland diet to help patients recover from gastrointestinal conditions or surgeries. Foods vary depending on the needs of each patient, but most foods in the bland diet are low in fat, fiber, acids, and grains.
If someone doesn’t need to stick to a bland diet for very long, like if they are recovering from a bout of stomach flu, they may consider the BRAT diet. BRAT is an acronym for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. The BRAT diet is one form of a bland diet, but it is less regimented and designed to provide short-term relief while recovering from acute gastrointestinal distress.
How to deal with a stomach ache?
Avoiding caffeinated sodas, dairy, spicy food, fatty foods, alcohol, and pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help stop a stomach hurting. There are also some gastroenterologist-approved home remedies that can help you feel better.
Peppermint oil has been used for centuries to soothe stomach pain. It possesses anti-inflammatory and anesthetic properties, which can help relieve irritation of the stomach lining. Peppermint oil is often sold in capsules at pharmacies and drugstores. In addition to peppermint oil, ginger is used to soothe an upset stomach and prevent nausea. Ginger tea with a small dash of lemon will likely help settle stomach aches.
How do I release gas from my stomach?
Moving around, stretching, or going for a gentle walk may help get the gas moving. The gas will be released naturally, either through belching or flatulence. If you haven’t had a bowel movement for a while, it may be contributing to your discomfort. Over-the-counter medication is available to treat constipation.
The cramping and bloating associated with gas in the digestive tract can be prevented long-term by adopting lifestyle changes like eating a fiber-rich diet, increasing water intake, and adopting an exercise routine. If you frequently experience bouts of gas, you may want to consider whether you are intolerant of some foods. Lactose intolerance is one of the better-known intolerances, but if you notice that uncomfortable gas is more likely after eating a particular food, it is possible you don't tolerate that food well.
What are the 3 types of abdominal pain?
The three types of abdominal pain include visceral, parietal, and referred pain.
- Visceral pain comes directly from an injured or inflamed organ in the abdomen, such as pancreas inflammation. Organs don't have many nerve fibers, and the pain may be dull or difficult to locate.
- Parietal pain is associated with irritation of the peritoneal lining. The perineum is a membrane that lines the wall of the abdomen. Its role is to support and safeguard the organs of the abdomen. It has many nerve fibers, making parietal pain intense and localized.
- Referred pain comes from a problem somewhere outside of the abdomen. For example, hyperthyroidism is a condition characterized by a thyroid that overproduces a hormone that stimulates digestion. This causes discomfort in the abdomen and an increased risk of constipation and diarrhea.
What causes gastritis?
There are several types of gastritis, each with a unique cause. In most cases, people with gastritis don't have ongoing symptoms, although gastritis can cause symptoms of indigestion, also called dyspepsia. In other cases, gastritis can lead to a stomach ulcer. The types and common causes of gastritis are listed below:
- Heliobacter pylori (H. pylori) gastritis. H. pylori is the name of a bacteria that irritates the stomach lining. Researchers are still studying how one becomes infected, but current theories suggest that contact with vomit, stool, or saliva may spread the bacteria.
- Reactive gastritis. Long-term contact with substances that irritate the stomach lining, such as some pain medications or alcohol, will eventually result in persistent gastritis.
- Autoimmune gastritis. Autoimmune gastritis occurs when the body's own immune system attacks the stomach lining.
- Stress gastritis. Stress gastritis occurs when a serious injury or illness reduces blood flow to the stomach lining. The reduced blood flow prevents the stomach from defending itself from the acid it contains.
How do I know if my stomach pain is gas?
Common symptoms of gas in the digestive tract include belching, bloating, flatulence, and abdominal distension. Gas pain is usually uncomfortable but bearable. Gas usually resolves itself after a few hours. You can help gas move through your digestive system by moving around and stretching.
If you have other symptoms associated with your abdominal discomfort, like constipation or diarrhea, consider seeking the advice of a medical professional in the near future. Seek medical attention immediately if any of the below apply to you:
- Your pain extends beyond the abdomen into the chest, neck, or shoulder.
- You're experiencing bloody vomit or diarrhea.
- You have black, tarry stools.
- You have a high fever.
- Your abdominal pain makes is making it difficult to breathe.
- Your abdomen is stiff, hard, and tender to the touch.
What does it mean when your stomach hurts every time you eat?
Some people feel sick or experience recurring stomach pain after meals. There are several reasons why meal-related stomach aches occur. Below are a few of the most common:
- Overeating or eating something that is difficult to digest commonly produces stomach discomfort. Eating smaller meals may help receive the discomfort.
- A burning feeling in the upper abdomen and throat or chest pain may indicate gastroesophageal reflux disease.
- Celiac disease can cause gluten intolerance, which results in abdominal pain, bloating, and diarrhea when gluten is consumed.
- Gastritis, or irritation of the stomach lining, can be caused by alcohol, fried foods, and overuse of over-the-counter pain medications. Gastritis commonly flares up after meals.
- Similar to the gluten intolerance of Celiac disease, other allergies or intolerances may irritate the stomach if consumed. The most common food allergies are to eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, shellfish, milk, soy, and wheat. Finding alternatives to food that is not tolerated may significantly improve symptoms.
- Frequent abdominal cramping, bloating, or diarrhea after meals may indicate irritable bowel syndrome.
There are several other causes of meal-related stomach pain. If you're concerned about stomach pain after eating, consider speaking to a medical professional for treatment and prevention of worse symptoms.
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