Bloating and stomach pain after eating are common symptoms of various gastrointestinal conditions. If you experience these symptoms consistently you may have food intolerances, a food allergy or irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS. Keep a dietary log of the foods you eat and how they affect your stomach. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment options. If the pain become severe or you develop other symptoms, such as blood in your stools or shortness of breath, call 911 for immediate medical assistance.
Food Intolerance
Food intolerance is considered a common condition, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you have a food intolerance your digestive tract fails to produce enough enzymes to properly break down the sugars and proteins in that food, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. Common symptoms of this condition include bloating, fullness, gas, stomach pain, cramping, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. There is no known cure for this condition, but it is manageable through medication and diet. Talk with your doctor about identifying the foods that are triggering your symptoms.
Food Allergy
Food allergies are mostly found in young children but can develop at any age. According the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the most common foods that cause an allergic reaction are: eggs, dairy, nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy. A food allergy is different from an intolerance because it causes a reaction from the immune system, according to the Mayo Clinic. If the bloating and cramping is from a food allergy, you will develop other symptoms, such as skin rashes, asthma, wheezing, chest discomfort, nasal congestion and tingling in the mouth. Food allergies can cause a severe reaction that could result in death.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS, is a condition that causes irregular bowel movements. Some people experience excessive diarrhea, while other develop chronic constipation, according to Medline Plus. Irritable bowel syndrome causes bloating, gas, stomach pain and cramping shortly after eating. You can experience symptoms every time you eat or only when you eat certain foods. This condition is incurable but can be treated with diet, lifestyle changes and medications.
Consideration
A common symptom that develops with bloating and stomach pain is diarrhea. If you experience diarrhea, call your doctor for an assessment. Most cases of diarrhea will last for a day or two, but shouldn't persist much longer. Chronic diarrhea is a sign of a more severe medical condition and can cause dehydration, If you have diarrhea, increase your liquid intake to prevent dehydration.
