Recurring stomach pain after eating is a sign of a more serious condition than just indigestion. If you notice that no matter what you eat, you experience pain, you may have peptic ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease. Peptic ulcers and Crohn's disease are both considered an inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, while irritable bowel syndrome is unrelated to intestinal inflammation. Your doctor's assessment of your symptoms will help provide a clinical diagnosis for your condition.
Peptic Ulcers
Peptic ulcers are sores that form in the lining of your esophagus, duodenum and stomach and affect about 20 million Americans, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. One of the leading causes of this type of ulcer is the overuse of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, primarily used for pain relief. If you have ulcers, eating will cause minor to severe pain during and after the meal.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a common condition that affects the large intestine primarily. There is no inflammation in the digestive system, and the condition is not caused by a gastrointestinal defect. IBS is still not fully understood, but medical professionals suspect that irregular messages sent to the muscles in the colon cause abnormal movements that lead to chronic diarrhea or constipation. While certain foods can trigger IBS symptoms, some severe cases can cause stomach pain after every meal. This condition is incurable, but you can mange it through changing your diet and reducing stress.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a digestive condition that causes chronic inflammation in the lining of your intestines. Common symptoms of this condition are severe diarrhea, abdominal pain and malnutrition. Other symptoms may include blood in your stool, ulcers, bloating and excessive cramping. The pain felt in the stomach is typically severe and can be debilitating. The condition could lead to life-threatening complications if left untreated. The cause of Crohn's disease is unknown but is most likely related to a malfunction in the immune system or mutations of certain genes.
Other Considerations
Many food-related conditions can cause pain in your stomach after you eat. Food allergies and intolerances are common but will not cause stomach pain every time you eat unless you are consuming an allergen at every meal. Recurring stomach pain may be related to food poisoning, but most symptoms will not last for more than 10 days.
