Eating a good meal is one of life's pleasures, but experiencing stomach pain immediately after can ruin the enjoyment. Although stomach pain after eating is not usually a cause for medical concern, pain accompanied by other symptoms and pain in pregnant women require medical attention. Fortunately, most cases of stomach pain are short lived and easily preventable.
Identification
Physicians identify stomach pain by conducting a physical exam and asking about the circumstances that lead up to the pain, including foods that were eaten and any recent physical activities, illnesses or stressors that might contribute to the pain. Patients might need to provide a stool sample as well as a blood sample. According to the National Library of Medicine website, doctors might request diagnostic tests such as abdominal x-ray or ultrasounds to identify the cause of stomach pains.
Causes
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians website, mild stomach pains that develop immediately after eating certain foods such as dairy products or wheat might indicate conditions such as lactose or gluten intolerance. Eating too much or too quickly or consuming foods that cause gas, such as cauliflower or cabbage, can also cause stomach pain right after eating. Consuming food that is spoiled or contaminated can result in food poisoning, which causes symptoms including stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting.
Treatments
People who develop stomach pain after eating spicy or greasy food might consider taking an over-the-counter antacid or proton-pump inhibitor such as Zantac. For stomach pains accompanied by vomiting, the National Library of Medicine website suggests avoiding solid foods for at least six hours, then eating a bland diet of small amounts of foods such as toast, applesauce and bananas. Severe stomach pains after eating might require fluids for re-hydration or emergency surgical treatment by a physician.
Prevention/Solution
Eat food slowly during each meal and avoid eating greasy or spicy foods that often trigger stomach pain. Consider decreasing or eliminating foods and beverages containing caffeine and alcohol, which can further irritate the stomach. Thoroughly cook foods containing raw meats or eggs and avoid unpasteurized dairy products and juices to decrease the risk of food poisoning. In addition, to further decrease the risk of stomach pains that can result from food poisoning, the Kids Health websites suggests washing all produce before consumption, washing hands before and after food preparation, checking expiration dates on packages and avoiding any foods that look or smell off.
Warning
Pregnant women who experience stomach pain should not hesitate in contacting their obstetrician or midwife, as the pains might indicate illness or early labor, either of which could impact the health of both mom and baby. Babies, children, pregnant women and the elderly are more susceptible to food poisoning; if food poisoning is suspected, seek urgent medical treatment to avoid serious complications.
