Pain in stomach after eating can be usually caused due to reasons like food intolerance, constipation, or diverticulitis. This article will give you information on the potential causes and treatment methods for the same.
Pain or cramps in stomach after having meals can either be caused due to consumption of contaminated food or due to some underlying disorder. There are several reasons that can lead to this condition.
Causes of Abdominal Pain After Eating
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Although the exact cause of irritable bowel syndrome is unknown, several factors like diet, stress, etc., can trigger off this condition. The condition is marked by constipation or diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, etc.
Food Intolerance
Sometimes, people may experience discomfort on consuming certain types of foods. This is known as food intolerance. Among the different types, wheat or gluten intolerance and lactose intolerance are the major ones when people cannot tolerate or digest wheat containing products or milk and milk products respectively. Stomach cramps, pain, nausea, etc., are the common symptoms of food intolerance.
Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal obstruction, also known as bowel obstruction, is a condition that develops when the intestines get blocked or obstructed due to various reasons like tumor, hernia, injury, etc. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc.
Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a condition that develops when the diverticula or the sacs located inside the stomach get inflamed. Sharp stomach pain, fever, nausea, changes in bowel habits, etc., are the symptoms of diverticulitis.
Gastritis
Gastritis occurs when the inner lining of the stomach gets inflamed. This condition can develop due to trauma, having excess alcohol, eating spicy foods, etc. Lower abdominal pain and cramps that worsen on having food, nausea, vomiting, etc., are the common symptoms.
Constipation, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), appendicitis, etc., are some of the other possible causes.
Treatment of Abdominal Pain
In case the pain is mild, you can follow simple methods like taking rest, avoiding eating any foods that may cause discomfort, avoiding carbonated drinks, etc. However, along with stomach pain, if other symptoms like nausea, vomiting, severe cramping, chest pain, etc., are observed, you should consult the doctor.
It is advisable to maintain a food diary to identify food intolerance. Diverticulitis can be treated with medications. However, in severe cases, a surgery may be required. Gastritis can be treated with the help of medications.
Intestinal obstruction can be treated with surgical procedures. Although there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, there are medications that help in alleviating the symptoms. People are also advised to stay away from factors that trigger off this condition in order to prevent it from recurring.
Depending on the nature and type of pain, you need to determine if medical attention is required or not. In case the symptoms persist, it is wise to seek medical assistance.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, seek to replace the advice of an expert.
