If you develop dull stomach pain after eating certain foods, you may have a food allergy or food intolerance. It is not normal to experience any pain after eating and you should have your symptoms evaluated by a medical professional. Food allergies and intolerances are commonly confused because they cause similar symptoms to develop, according to MayoClinic.com. Only your doctor will be able to decipher between the two conditions.
Cause
Dull stomach pain after eating is the result of inflammation in the gut. The pain may be a result of the stomach cramping or swelling in the intestines that places pressure on the surrounding areas, causing pain. If you experience dull stomach pain occasionally, you may be developing excessive gas. Gas will eventually work its way out of the body during a bowel movement or by passing gas. Occasional dull pain is not concerning and may be remedied with over-the-counter medications.
Food Allergy
Food allergies are mostly found among children but can affect adults as well. Most food allergies are caused by foods such as fish, nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, eggs and milk, according to MedlinePlus, an online resource of the National Institutes of Health. During a food allergy, your immune system identifies the proteins in the food as dangerous substances and builds up a resistance against them. Antibodies and other chemicals help fight off the proteins. This chemical reaction causes inflammation and swelling to occur in the gut, leading to stomach pain.
Food Intolerance
Food intolerance differs from a food allergy because it does not involve an immune system reaction. Food intolerance is the body's inability to properly process certain proteins and sugars in various foods. The small intestines don't produce enough of the proper enzymes to break down the foods, causing inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract.
Symptoms
Symptoms shared between the two conditions include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramping, abdominal pain, loose stools and foul-smelling stools. Your symptoms can vary from mild to severe depending on the severity of the condition. Some symptoms are alarming and will need immediate evaluation by a physician. These include swelling in the face, dizziness, hives, blood in the stool or a fever.
Treatment
Treatment for both conditions begins with a proper diagnosis from a doctor. Once diagnosed, your doctor may recommend eliminating certain foods from your diet to avoid adverse reactions.
