Pain after eating tends to be generalized, according to Medline Plus. This means you feel pain across more than half the stomach. Experiencing localized pain---pain that is concentrated in one area such as the appendix---can indicate a more serious condition. When generalized pain is accompanied by gas and bloating, you also may experience cramping after you eat.
Causes
A number of conditions can cause stomach pain and bloating after you eat a meal, according to Medline Plus. Overeating or eating certain foods may cause pain as the stomach works to break down the foods. A food allergy or intolerance can cause stomach pain and bloating due to the inability to fully digest the food. Heartburn, indigestion and gastroesophageal reflux due to the increase in acid in the stomach also can cause these symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome can cause these symptoms in addition to diarrhea or constipation, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If you experience these symptoms frequently, a physician can evaluate you to determine the chief cause.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods are associated with causing abdominal pain. These include high-fat or high-grease foods, such as convenience foods, according to Medline Plus. Bloating or gas-producing foods include peppermint, chocolate and high-fat foods, according to Up to Date. You also should avoid eating too fast, because this can introduce extra air into your gastrointestinal tract and cause bloating.
Treatment
While some treatments may depend upon your specific condition, your first lines of treatment can be to reduce inflammation and pain, according to Medline Plus. This includes sipping water or clear fluids. While you should avoid eating for a few hours until pain reduces, eating bland foods like crackers, rice or applesauce can help. Heartburn or indigestion may be relieved through an antacid, which works to neutralize stomach acids, reducing pain.
Warning
While you may be accustomed to taking over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or anti-inflammatory medications to relieve pain, these may not be appropriate for use when you are experiencing stomach pain. These medications can irritate the stomach lining, according to the Merck Manual Home Edition. If you do not have liver problems and are certain your condition is unrelated to the liver, taking acetaminophen may relieve some symptoms.
Seek Medical Treatment
While abdominal pain and bloating may be an unfortunate but temporary side effect of eating some foods or overeating, for others, these symptoms can be more serious, according to Medline Plus. If your abdominal pain does not improve between one and two days after its onset or your bloating continues for more than two days, seek medical evaluation.
