Stomach pain and vomiting after a meal can be caused by a variety of situations ranging from food poison, indigestion, stomach cancer and even pregnancy. If you're vomiting, be sure to drink plenty of sugar-free and alcohol-free fluids to reduce your risk of dehydration.
Food Poison
Food poisoning, also known as food-borne illness is caused by eating foods that are contaminated with bacteria, a virus, parasites or other source of contamination. In some cases the food you purchase is already contaminated during the processing and production stages; however, the contamination can also occur in your home. According to MayoClinic.com, symptoms of food poisoning can occur within hours or days of consuming contaminated food items. Food poisoning also causes diarrhea, tiredness, and in some cases, a fever. In most cases, food poison goes away on its own without treatment; however, according to American Academy of Family Physicians, Escheria coli (E. coli), can cause hemolytic-uremic syndrome, which can lead to kidney failure if left untreated.
Indigestion
Indigestion is something that affects people of all ages and health and it's caused by eating too much, eating too fast, swallowing excess air, being stressed and eating fatty foods. The stomach pain caused by indigestion has a burning sensation in some cases. Other symptoms include flatulence, belching, diarrhea and bloating. According to Cleveland Clinic, you can avoid indigestion by eating smaller meals slowly, avoiding caffeine, alcohol and tobacco, not exercising with a full stomach and not lying down after meals.
Pregnancy
Morning sickness is most common during the first trimester of pregnancy and according to the American Pregnancy Association, this sickness typically shows around the sixth week of pregnancy. Other than a missed period, feeling nauseous and vomiting are symptoms that often cause women to take a pregnancy test. Although morning sickness can occur all day, it's usually at its worst after eating. If you are unable to keep food down, contact your doctor for treatment options to be sure your baby is getting enough nutrients. Some other early symptoms of pregnancy include heartburn, constipation, bloating, breast tenderness and extreme fatigue.
Cancer
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, stomach cancer can also cause problems, such as stomach pain and vomiting after meals. Some other symptoms include indigestion, nausea, blood in stools and unintended weight loss. Limiting alcohol, quitting smoking and getting plenty of vitamin C can reduce your risk of stomach cancer, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Contact your doctor if vomiting or diarrhea lasts more than 24 hours and you are unable to keep liquids down. If dehydrated, you may need liquids and salts through an IV. If you have extreme stomach pain or cramping, are vomiting blood or have bloody bowels, seek emergency care.
