Stomach cramps that start suddenly after eating are pretty common. Let us understand the various causes behind this condition.
A definitive diagnosis of stomach problems after eating is very difficult as many diseases share the same symptoms that result in abdominal pain. Sometimes the reason may not be so severe, and the cramps may stop on their own after a while. However, if they do continue, it is essential to visit a doctor at the earliest to discover and treat the cause of this condition. Stomach cramps occur usually due to stress, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn or food poisoning.
Symptoms of Stomach Cramps
Many people suffer from severe stomach cramps after having any kind of meal. A person suffering from stomach cramps can feel a sharp pain in the abdomen, depending upon the severity of the condition. Along with pain there can be other noticeable symptoms like.
- Frequent urination/urinating with painful sensation.
- Feeling feverish.
- Injury to the abdomen.
- Not able to pass stool.
- Abdominal region is tender when touched.
- Not able to digest food, often vomiting for many days.
- Presence of blood in one’s stool.
- Pregnant women experience pain often.
- Blood seeps into one’s vomit.
- Pain doesn’t get better for days.
- Breathing problems.
- Passing gas frequently followed by bloating.
- Colicky pain; pain that occurs with intensity, then decreases immediately, often occurring in fluctuating instances.
- Diarrhea
Causes of Stomach Cramps
The causes enlisted here will give you an idea on what the possible health concerns could be, due to abdominal cramping.
Eating too fast: A lot of us do not realize how fast we eat, especially when we rush through meals or have a habit of swallowing without chewing food properly. It is important to fletcherize, because our stomachs are designed to digest food in its mush form, where our mouths have to do half the job first.
Constipation: Foods that are high in fiber should be incorporated into one’s diet, since the lack of it can lead to cramping. Fiber ensures that the body undergoes a cleansing of the bowel system, where not a sufficient quantity of this can be damaging in the long run.
Anxiety: Eating your meals under tremendous mental stress and anxiety can result in indigestion, which can again result in stomach cramps.
Exercise: Exercising right after a meal can also cause sudden stomach cramps. Hence, it is advisable not to start any physical activity for at least an hour after eating food.
Stomach cramps can be avoided by resting after meals and trying some home remedies to stop stomach cramps. However, there are some causes of stomach pain after eating that can turn severe without timely medical intervention. These have been listed below.
- Muscle strains
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Ischemic bowel
- Cholecystitis
- Pneumonia
- Diverticulitis
- Shigella food poisoning
- Salmonella food poisoning
- Campylobacter food poisoning
- Pancreatic problems
- Celiac disease
- Cyst or tumor
- Colon cancer
- Appendicitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Stomach ulcers
- Hereditary diseases
- Listeria food poisoning
- Staphylococcal food poisoning
- Allergy problems
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
- Heart attack
- Kidney stones
- Crohn’s disease
- Menstrual cramping
- Endometriosis
- Blockage in the bowel
- Stomach/colon cancer
Treatment for Stomach Cramps
Remedies for stomach aches can be advised as per the cause of stomach cramps after eating. Try some home remedies for stomach cramps instructed through a doctor, and if the cramps still persist over a period of time, make another visit to get help on using medication to alleviate the problem. Medication that is usually prescribed are – Zegerid, Zantac, Tagamet, Prevacid SoluTab, Prilosec and Nexium.
Make sure you practice some healthy eating habits and follow the rules of hygiene to avoid food poisoning. Following a healthy and balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, relaxing oneself every now and then, building a stress-free environment and indulging in activity, will help battle against such health problems.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information purpose only. Do not use the information presented herein as a substitute for medical practitioner’s advice.
