If you experience pain in your stomach shortly after eating, there are numerous conditions that may be causing it. While some of these conditions may be similar, they will each have certain symptoms or side effects that are unique. If you feel you may have one of these conditions, you should seek medical treatment or contact your physician as soon as possible for treatment recommendations.
Ulcers
Ulcers occur when sores appear within your digestive tracts lining. Esophageal ulcers occur in the esophagus; gastric ulcers occur in the stomach; and duodenal ulcers occur in the upper part of your intestines. Most ulcers are the result of an infection. Although a rare occurrence, some anti-inflammatory medications can also cause ulcers. Symptoms of an ulcer may include pain one to two hours after eating, unexplained weight loss, stomach pain that leads to sleeplessness, bloating and a burning sensation in your stomach. Ulcers are most commonly treated using a triple dosing of medications. The most common treatment is combining two separate antibiotics and an antacid.
Biliary Colic
A number of gallbladder conditions can cause pain during the digestive process. The most common complication is called biliary colic. This condition occurs in the upper right portion of your abdomen and may cause steady pain near your rib cage that can radiate all the way through your upper back. Other symptoms include vomiting, nausea and pain in the rear of your breastbone. Antibiotics, anti-spasmodic medication, anti-nausea medication, anti-inflammatory medication, pain medication and oral dissolution therapy are all possible treatments for biliary colic.
Esophagitis
Esophagitis can mean any type of swelling, irritation or inflammation that occurs in the esophagus, which is the small tube that connects your stomach to your mouth. The most common cause of esophagitis is gastroesophageal reflux, more commonly known as acid reflux. This condition occurs when fluid containing acid backs up from the stomach to the esophagus. Symptoms of esophagitis include a sore throat, pain when swallowing, heartburn and vomiting. The treatment for this condition depends upon the cause. Esophagitis resulting from an infection requires antibiotics while other forms require acid reducing medications.
Pancreatitis
Your pancreas is located near the upper part of your small intestine and behind your stomach. Pancreatitis occurs when your pancreas becomes inflamed. A healthy pancreas will secrete enzymes into the small intestine that join with bile to digest your food. When your pancreas becomes inflamed, these enzymes attack it and cause damage to the tissues within. Symptoms include a pain in your upper abdomen that worsens as food digests, nausea, vomiting, an increased pulse and fever. Severe cases may lower your blood pressure and cause your kidneys, lungs or heart to fail, leading to shock and possibly death. Pancreatitis requires a hospital stay so that medication, antibiotics and fluids can be administrated through an IV. In most cases, pancreatitis is resolved within a few days unless complications occur.
