Eating is typically an event that most people look forward to, but if you develop bowel pain when you eat, you may become anxious thinking about having to eat. Bowel pain is not normal after eating and needs to be evaluated by your doctor. If you notice blood in your stool, you should go to the emergency room, because you may have a more serious condition. Most bowel pain after eating is related to irritable bowel syndrome, an anal fissure or a food-related condition, such as food allergy or intolerance.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, commonly referred to as IBS, affects about 20 percent of the adult population and is considered by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse as one of the most common disorders diagnosed by doctors. This condition causes bloating, abdominal pain, cramping, diarrhea and constipation after eating certain foods. Most symptoms are manageable through diet, exercise and a reduction in stress, but some people may need medication to function normally. Bowel pain typically begins within minutes of consuming a food that triggers IBS symptoms. The pain is followed by chronic diarrhea or constipation and may be felt from the anus up to the abdomen.
Anal Fissure
If you have an anal fissure, you will develop pain in your bowel after eating and right before, during and after a bowel movement. An anal fissure is considered common and is typically caused by constipation or chronic diarrhea. An anal fissure is a small tear in the anal opening that continues to reopen every time you have a bowel movement. An anal fissure can cause bleeding during bowel movements and can make having a bowel movement painful. The blood from a fissure will be on the outside of the stool or on the toilet paper when you wipe. Any blood in stool needs to be assessed by a doctor. Do not scratch your anal area. Treat an anal fissure by cleansing the area, applying an anti-itch cream and increasing fiber in your diet.
Food-related Conditions
Food-related conditions can lead to pain in your bowel after eating, such as food intolerance and food allergies. Food intolerance and food allergies are different conditions that can cause similar symptoms, such as diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting and cramping. Food allergies are caused by a malfunction in the immune system that leads to gastric symptoms, while food intolerance is a condition involving the inability to digest certain foods.
Complications
If you notice that you're losing weight unintentionally, you are fatigued and you have chronic diarrhea or constipation, you need to see a medical professional immediately. Occasional bowel pain may be the result of indigestion, but bowel pain that is consistent should not go undiagnosed or untreated.
