Bloating and abdominal pain after eating are common symptoms associated with more than one digestive condition. The most common causes include Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease. Because theses symptoms develop in more than one gastrointestinal disorder, you should talk with a gastroenterologist to determine the cause. Do not attempt to self-treat your symptoms with over-the-counter medications. These conditions need professional treatment.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a condition that causes chronic inflammation in the lining of your digestive system. The most common symptoms associated with Crohn's are abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and malnutrition. The inflammation can reach deep into the lower layers of soft tissue in the bowel, which can cause debilitating pain and further complications that may be life-threatening, according to the Mayo Clinic. This condition is incurable, but can be treated with various therapies to reduce symptoms. The disease is most likely caused by an abnormal immune response to bacteria in the digestive system.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome is a digestive condition that mainly affects the colon. When waste enters your colon, food either moves too quickly or slowly because of muscle spasms. Certain triggers can cause symptoms to develop, such as what you eat and stress. IBS is considered a very common digestive condition, commonly found more in women than men, according to FamilyDoctor.org. It's unclear why the colon reacts the way it does to certain stimuli. The most common treatment for IBS is to avoid foods that trigger your symptoms and reduce stress in your life.
Celiac Disease
Celiac is a condition that causes damage to the lining of your intestines after you eat products that contain gluten -- a common protein in rye, barley, wheat and sometimes oats. Although gluten is safe for human consumption in most people, those with celiac disease will develop adverse reactions after consuming the protein. Because so many food products contain gluten, you may develop bloating and abdominal pain every time you eat. This condition can cause permanent and life-threatening complications if it remains undiagnosed.
Food Allergy
Food allergies are less common and are unique compared with digestive conditions because they produce certain antibodies called immunoglobulin E that fight against proteins found in foods. Food allergies also can cause symptoms to develop in other parts of the body aside from the digestive tract. If you develop abdominal pain and bloating from eating, along with hives, swelling in lips, face or tongue, nasal congestion, asthma and skin rashes, call your doctor immediately. Severe allergic reactions can lead to death.
