Stomach pain that comes on suddenly after eating can be caused by various digestive conditions. If you suffer from a food allergy or food intolerance, you may develop stomach pain within minutes of eating a food or ingredient that you can't tolerate. It is important to notice if there are any other symptoms that develop alongside the stomach pain because they may help diagnose your condition. One common digestive condition that can cause stomach pain after eating is irritable bowel syndrome.
Food Allergy
A food allergy is not caused by a digestive defect, but can affect your digestive system. During an allergic reaction to food, your immune system experiences an abnormal response to the proteins in the food. Even though the proteins in the food are harmless, the immune system treats them as if they were an invading substance. The most common foods that trigger this type of reaction are fish, peanuts, nuts, milk, eggs, soy and wheat. After eating a food you're allergic to, you can develop stomach pain, cramping, diarrhea and nausea.
Food Intolerance
A food intolerance commonly causes stomach pain after the food is ingested. The American College of Gastroenterology states that gluten intolerance and lactose intolerance are the two most common food intolerances. Gluten intolerance triggers an immune reaction that damages the lining of your small intestines, leading to malnutrition and excessive weight loss. Lactose intolerance is when the digestive system has difficulty digesting a sugar found in milk, lactose. Other food intolerances may include fructose, MSG and histamine-containing foods, such as red wine.
The Difference
The cause of the condition is the main difference between a food allergy and a food intolerance. Food allergies are caused by a hypersensitivity to the proteins found in certain foods and are not a result of a digestive defect. In addition to symptoms in your digestive tract, food allergies can also cause skin rashes and itchiness, as well as symptoms in your respiratory system. Food intolerances, on the other hand, are caused by a defect of the digestive system and will only cause symptoms related to the gastric system.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a common digestive condition that is still not fully understood by the medical community. IBS causes stomach pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and cramping directly after eating food. This condition is incurable, but it can be managed through diet and lifestyle. Avoid foods that are considered triggers, such as chocolate, milk and carbonated beverages.
