There are many reasons why you develop pains in the stomach after eating, but some conditions are more common than others. Any time you experience prolonged or recurring pain, you need to make an appointment with your doctor for evaluation. Pains in the stomach are commonly the result of indigestion, ulcers, gallbladder disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Your symptoms alone, however, may not be enough to diagnose your condition. Only a medical doctor can clinically diagnose and provide the appropriate treatment for your condition.
Indigestion
Indigestion is a common condition that causes the feeling of fullness, burning and pain in the upper abdomen. Indigestion can be caused by cancer, abnormality of the bile ducts, gastroesophageal reflux disease and ulcers. The cause of indigestion may not always be found, but it is manageable through a modified diet. Most symptoms develop during or shortly after eating a meal. You may feel overly full or experience an unpleasant sensation of heat in the back of your throat. Gas and bloating can accompany this condition.
Ulcers
Ulcers are open sores that can develop throughout your digestive tract. They are aggravated every time food passes through. The most common symptom of ulcers is abdominal pain after eating. Ulcers typically form in your stomach, the upper portion of your small intestines and at the back of your throat. Most ulcers are caused by an infection or by taking some medication. MayoClinic.com states that stress and diet are not causes of ulcers, though it once was a popular belief.
Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder disease will cause stomach pain, gas, nausea, bloating and diarrhea every time you eat. Gallstones are common, but about 90 percent of people with gallstones do not develop symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. They develop for no apparent reason when bile crystallizes; the crystals can then get lodged in the bile duct, leading to inflammation and excessive pain. If you have chronic diarrhea for more than four months, you need to call your doctor for testing.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common digestive disorder that will cause pain after eating. The cause of IBS symptoms is not fully understood but the most popular theory links the nerves in the muscles of the large colon, according to MedLinePlus. This theory states that a breakdown in communication between the brain and the colon muscles causes irregular bowel movements.
