Pain in the right side of the stomach after eating can be caused by indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, food poisoning or gas. At some point, most people will develop abdominal pain or stomach pain after eating, however, if it occurs after eating daily, contact your physician, especially if the pain becomes severe or is localized.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome causes frequent changes in bowel movements as well as abdominal pain and cramps. It is not clear why people develop IBS, although it may occur after an intestinal infection. This condition can arise at any time and it is more prevalent amongst of women. Abdominal pain, flatulence and bloating may occur after eating and may diminish after having an bowel movement.
Food Poisoning
Food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, toxins or parasites may cause food poisoning. There are many forms of food poisoning, some minor and some severe. People who develop food poisoning experience abdominal cramps, headache, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea or weakness, two to six hours after eating contaminated food. Treatment usually consists of drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding dairy products and eating soft foods until the food poisoning subsides. If you have constant vomiting or diarrhea and are unable to keep liquid down, you may be given in liquid via IV in the hospital to replace your fluids.
Indigestion
Indigestion causes discomfort in the upper abdomen, which usually occurs while eating or directly after. The discomfort may be a hot or burning feeling between the naval and breastbone or a feeling that you are constantly full after eating. Indigestion is usually triggered by eating spicy or greasy foods, eating too fast, overeating, eating high-fiber foods or drinking too much caffeine. Indigestion can also be caused by medical condition such as gallstones, ulcers and gastritis. Indigestion in some cases can be treated at home by chewing food thoroughly, avoiding stress during meals and avoiding exercising after meals.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance occurs when the body is unable to digest a sugar found in dairy products called lactose. If the small intestine doesn't make enough of the enzyme lactase the body may not absorb lactose and result in lactase deficiency. According to MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, nearly 30 million Americans have some amount of lactose intolerance by the age of 20. Lactose intolerance can cause symptoms such as abdominal bloating, flatulence and abdominal cramps, which occur roughly 30 minutes to twp hours after eating or drinking dairy products.
