Occasional stomach pain after eating is normal and can be caused by various conditions, such as indigestion, food intolerances, a food allergy or food poisoning. If you develop severe stomach pain or other symptoms unrelated to your digestive system, such as hives, call your doctor. Stomach pain that gets worse or becomes consistent may be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Talk with your doctor before you use any over-the-counter medications to treat stomach pain.
Indigestion
Indigestion is that feeling of fullness, uncomfortable bloating, burning or pain in the upper-part of the stomach. Indigestion can occur for no apparent reason or from eating foods that are greasy, high in fat or contain a lot of spices. Some gastric conditions, such as gastroesophangeal reflux disease, or GERD, cancer and peptic ulcers can cause more consistent indigestion. Excessive gas that is trapped in the small intestines can also cause excessive pain in the stomach.
Food Intolerance
If you are unaware that you have a food intolerance, you may develop indigestion occasionally. Food intolerances occur when your body cannot digest certain foods or an ingredient causes an adverse chemical reaction in your body. The most common food intolerances are lactose and gluten intolerances. Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the sugar found in dairy products. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barely that can trigger the immune system to attack the lining of your intestines. Other food intolerances include histamine intolerance, MSG intolerance and certain food additives.
Food Allergy
You could be allergic to any food, but the most common foods that cause an allergic reaction are fish, tree nuts, peanuts, soy, wheat, eggs and milk. A food allergy will cause stomach pain whenever you ingest the food that you are allergic to and will trigger symptoms unrelated to the digestive system. Common symptoms along with digestive complications from a food allergy include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, trouble breathing, hives, eczema, skin irritation and facial swelling. A food allergy can cause life-threatening conditions and needs to be diagnosed by an allergist.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning doesn't always cause extreme symptoms and may cause a mild to moderate upset stomach accompanied with diarrhea. Food poisoning is a common condition that occurs when you eat or drink something that is contaminated with an infectious organism, such as a toxin, parasite or bacteria. Food poisoning is treated with rest, a modified diet and drinking more liquids.
