Discomfort or Stomach Ache After Food: Causes and Treatment
Discomfort or stomachache, which worsens after eating, or postprandial pain, may have a frustrating set of symptoms. Maybe you hoped that a few crackers would ease your stomach ache, especially if you had eaten a little earlier in the day, but it hurts more than before. Abdominal pain that gets worse after eating can be caused by a wide variety of causes, making it important to seek treatment.
Postprandial pain has a strong link with the food you eat. Most people can even identify the foods that trigger their symptoms the most. For example, symptoms often occur after eating spicy foods or foods rich in fat. Indigestion (also known as dyspepsia) is also a common feature. Indigestion is persistent discomfort or pain in the upper abdominal area.
Symptoms of Discomfort After Food
Discomfort after eating can show up in various ways, depending on the underlying cause. Common symptoms include:
- Bloating: A feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen.
- Heartburn: A burning sensation in the chest due to acid reflux.
- Nausea or Vomiting: An unsettled stomach that may lead to vomiting.
- Indigestion: Pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
- Excess Gas: Increased burping or flatulence.
- Abdominal Pain: Cramping or sharp pain in the stomach or intestines.
- Diarrhea: Loose or watery stools following a meal.
- Constipation: Difficulty passing stools, causing fullness.
- Loss of Appetite: Reduced desire to eat due to ongoing discomfort.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or sluggish after meals.
These symptoms may indicate underlying conditions like acid reflux, food intolerance, IBS, or gallbladder issues. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
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Get A Second OpinionCauses Discomfort After Eating
Here are some causes of this unexplained stomach ache after eating:
Food Related Issues
There is no doubt that what we eat and put in our bodies can influence how we feel. Here are some small causes of stomach cramps or stomach pain after eating.
- Food Poisoning: Caused by eating foods containing germs or only their toxins, food poisoning can cause pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pain is usually felt in the abdominal and intestines.
- Irritating Foods: Certain foods are known to irritate the stomach lining or exacerbate gastritis. Acidic foods, spicy foods, coffee, and alcohol can all have this effect.
- Allergies and Intolerances: A food allergy (immune response) or food intolerance (digestive response) can lead to stomach cramps after eating, nausea and diarrhea.
- Overeating: Pay attention to the recommended serving size versus the actual portions on your plate. Overeating causes the stomach to stretch beyond its normal capacity, resulting in pain, gas, discomfort, and bloating.
Medical Conditions for Discomfort After Eating
Whether you are making the right food choices or not, there are a variety of medical conditions that can cause an upset stomach after you eat. Here are some of the most common culprits of stomach pain.
- Indigestion: Indigestion is best described as an abdominal ache or a feeling of fullness after eating. It can cause other digestive issues or be caused by lifestyle, diet, or medication.
- Gastrointestinal Reflux (GERD): You are probably familiar with the term heartburn, which is the number one symptom of GERD. This condition occurs when gastric contents move up into the esophagus, causing chest pain or a “burning” sensation in the chest and acidic fluid in the throat or mouth.
- Gastritis: Gastritis occurs when the lining of the stomach is inflamed and swollen. Many things can cause this, but they are usually the result of a Helicobacter pylori infection that is exacerbated by food and lifestyle choices or by long-term use of certain medications.
- Peptic ulcer: Most commonly caused by H. pylori infection or long-term use of aspirin or NSAIDs, peptic ulcer are open sores that develop on the inner lining of your stomach and the small intestine.
- Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. It happens when digestive juices or enzymes from the pancreas attack pancreatic tissue. Pancreatitis can be short- or long-term and is often caused by alcohol abuse or blockage of gallstones.
- Bile duct disorders and gallstones: Cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder) can cause gallstones to form, which can block the exit tube of the gallbladder. This causes severe pain, nausea, and a buildup of bile, leading to jaundice.
- Constipation: Although constipation is not always related to stomach pain after eating, some people report bloating, discomfort in the small or large intestine.
- Intestinal gas: Depending on a person's sensitivity, some people may experience significant pain after eating due to gas buildup in the stomach and intestinal tract. The pain may radiate to the upper abdomen or chest.
Other causes: Stress, Anxiety, and Medication
There is an incredible connection between the mind and body and the things we put in there. If you don't have any of the above conditions, but feel unwell after eating, read on to find out how stress, anxiety, and “normal” medications can be causing your problem.
- Stress and Anxiety: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a frustrating condition that causes abdominal pain, cramps, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. It currently has no known specific cause, but it is believed that there is a link between IBS, stress sensitivity, and the regulation of the stress response. Research shows that 50 to 90 percent of people with IBS also suffer from a psychiatric disorder like anxiety or depression.
- Medication: There are a variety of medications that can cause stomach pain after eating or digestive problems. NSAIDs, nitrates, calcium channel blockers, oral antibiotics, and birth control pills can cause GERD and reflux or irritate the lining of the stomach. Long-term use may cause gastritis, ulcers, bleeding, or perforation of the stomach.
How is Discomfort After Food Diagnosed?
Your doctor may be able to diagnose the cause of your stomach pain just by listening to you describe your symptoms. Sometimes, however, more invasive tests may be needed. This could include:
- Endoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- pH monitoring
- X-ray
- CT scan
- MRI
- Blood tests
- Fecal blood sampling
Treatment of Discomfort After Food
Treatments for the above problems can vary widely. For example, if you think the problem is that you are having trouble processing the beans, which then leads to painful gas, over-the-counter medications like simethicone can help ease the distension that is causing your pain.
Here are some possible treatments for specific issues:
Gas and Bloating:
- Simethicone: Reduces gas and bloating.
- Probiotics: Aid digestion and reduce bloating.
Indigestion and Heartburn:
- Antacids: Provide quick relief.
- H2 Blockers/PPIs: Reduce stomach acid for long-term relief.
Nausea and Vomiting:
- Antiemetics: Control nausea.
- Ginger/Peppermint: Natural remedies for nausea.
Abdominal Pain:
- Antispasmodics: Relieve cramping.
- Heat Therapy: Soothes pain.
Diarrhea:
- Anti-diarrheal Medications: Slow down bowel movements.
- Electrolyte Solutions: Rehydrate after diarrhea.
Constipation:
- Fiber Supplements: Promote regular bowel movements.
- Stool Softeners: Ease bowel movement.
Food Intolerances:
- Lactase Supplements: Aid digestion for lactose intolerance.
- Gluten-Free Diet: For gluten sensitivity.
Food Allergies:
- Antihistamines: For mild allergic reactions.
- Epinephrine: For severe reactions.
When to visit a Doctor?
If anyone exhibits symptoms of the medical conditions listed here, they should see a doctor.
If stomach pain after eating persists for a long time, and lifestyle and diet changes do not work, people are advised to seek medical attention.
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Book an AppointmentPrevention of Discomfort After Food
There are also many strategies you can try to stay one step ahead of your symptoms.
- Limit the use of NSAIDs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) can cause or worsen postprandial pain. Talk to your doctor about the alternatives you can use.
- Limit the consumption of spicy, fatty, or acidic foods: Certain foods in these categories (caffeine, carbonated drinks, citrus fruits or fruit juices, etc.) are said to be triggers for postprandial pain.
- Avoid alcohol and stop smoking: Alcohol and smoking are associated with increased production of stomach acid and, therefore, irritation of the abdominal lining.
Home Remedies for Discomfort After Food
- Ginger: Relieves nausea and indigestion. Drink ginger tea or chew on ginger.
- Peppermint: Eases bloating. Drink peppermint tea or use peppermint candies.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Balances stomach acid. Mix 1 tbsp in warm water before meals.
- Fennel Seeds: Reduces bloating and gas. Chew fennel seeds after meals.
- Chamomile Tea: Soothes stomach cramps. Drink after eating.
- Warm Compress: Relieves abdominal pain. Apply a warm compress to the stomach.
- Lemon Water: Improves digestion. Drink warm lemon water in the morning.
- Yogurt: Contains probiotics to aid digestion. Eat plain yogurt.
- Caraway Seeds: Eases bloating. Chew seeds or make tea.
- Water: Stay hydrated to support digestion.
These remedies can offer relief, but see a doctor if symptoms persist.
