Occasional stomachaches that develop high in your abdomen area may be a common result of indigestion or gas, or may be a sign of a more serious condition. Talk with your doctor about your symptoms and if you notice that certain foods cause your symptoms to develop. Common causes of occasional high stomachaches after eating include indigestion, a peptic ulcer, food intolerances and gastroesophageal reflux disease, also called GERD. If you notice that certain foods trigger your symptoms, avoid those foods until your doctor can see you.
Indigestion
Indigestion is the feeling of discomfort in the upper portion of your stomach or abdomen after eating and may stem from various reasons. Indigestion causes pain, burning and heat in your upper abdomen, and a too-full feeling that starts shortly after you start eating or after the meal is complete. Common reasons you may have indigestion are eating too fast, consuming high-fiber foods, eating spicy, greasy or fatty foods, taking in too much caffeine, drinking too much alcohol and generally overeating.
Peptic Ulcer
A peptic ulcer is a common digestive condition that affects an estimated half a million Americans, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Peptic ulcers occur most commonly from a bacterial infection in the lining of the stomach, small intestines or duodenum. An ulcer is a sore that forms in the lining of the digestive system that causes pain in the upper abdomen after eating certain foods. Foods that contain caffeine, are highly acidic or are spicy can trigger your ulcer symptoms. The most effective treatment is the use of prescribed antibiotics to kill the infection, combined with other medications to reduce acid and relieve ulcer pain.
Food Intolerance
Food intolerances are common digestive conditions that primarily are caused by the inability to digest certain proteins and sugars in foods. The most common food intolerances include gluten intolerance, MSG intolerance, fructose intolerance and lactose intolerance, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. When you eat a food that you cannot digest, the lining of your intestines become inflamed and swollen, leading to gas, bloating, diarrhea and stomach pain. Food intolerances are incurable and are treated with an elimination diet.
GERD
GERD is a digestive condition that will cause occasional high stomachaches after eating. The stomachaches are caused by a backflow of acid from your stomach into your esophagus that causes pain, burning and discomfort. Most cases of GERD are treated with lifestyle and dietary changes.
