1. Stop Eating and Drink Water
So you're eating a fabulous meal and all of a sudden you start experiencing sharp abdominal pain, along with chest, neck or shoulder pain. And then you start vomiting blood or have blood in your stool. Or your stomach is tender to the touch and you are unable to pass stool. What do you do? First, avoid eating solid foods if you experience stomach pains after eating. The stomach pains could come from a number of causes such as gastritis, stomach or colon cancer and stress. It's important to drink water or clear fluids if stomach pains occur after eating.
2. Call Your Doctor
If stomach pains that occur after eating persist and the pain is in your upper abdomen, the use of antacids may help relieve some of the pain. Call your doctor if your symptoms persist for more than 2 to 5 days. These symptoms include bloating, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, fever with the pain, a burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, pain in shoulder blades, nausea, poor appetite and unexplained weight loss.
3. What Your Doctor Will Do
Your doctor will conduct a medical history and physical examination to help find the cause of your pain. The doctor will check for point tenderness by conducting a physical examination. Your doctor will also ask you questions related to your pain and eating habits. The doctor may perform the following tests to help find the cause of your pain: barium enema; upper gastrointestinal (GI) and small bowel series; blood, urine and stool tests; endoscopy of upper GI tract; and ultrasound and/or X-rays of the abdomen.
4. Know Your Limits
The best way to avoid stomach pain after eating or minimize its effects is by living a healthy life. It's important to lead a stress-free life, increase the lean meats, fruits and vegetables in your diet, increase your daily physical activities and maintain a healthy weight. Avoid the use H2 blockers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they can cause additional inflammation of the stomach lining. An alternative is the use of pain relievers containing acetaminophen. If you experience stomach pains after eating, it's important to avoid citrus; high-fat, fried and greasy foods; caffeine; alcohol and carbonated drinks.
5. You Can Stop The Pain
There are a number of ways to help prevent abdominal pain. Continue to eat a well-balanced diet that is high in fiber. Eat small meals frequently. Elevate the head of your bed. Stop eating two hours before bedtime. Sit upright for at least 30 minutes after eating. Drink plenty of water each day, and limit foods that cause gas.
