Feeling full and bloated after eating can be due to the foods you consume or eating too fast, but if you experience it consistently after every meal, regardless of what you eat, an underlying gastrointestinal problem could be the cause. Several disorders are associated with feeling bloated and full after eating, but the only way to get a proper diagnosis is to consult your physician.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder that is often associated with bloating and a feeling of fullness after eating. Other symptoms of IBS include abdominal pain that comes and goes, diarrhea and constipation. The symptoms are often relieved after a bowel movement. Symptoms range from mild to severe but are mild in most people, according to the PubMed Health website. There are no tests for IBS, but a doctor can diagnose you based on symptoms. The cause of IBS is unknown, but it is often made worse by stress.
Celiac Disease
The symptoms of celiac disease, like IBS, vary from person to person. In addition to abdominal bloating and fullness after eating, common symptoms include gas, indigestion, abdominal pain and decreased appetite. Other symptoms are weight loss, nausea, vomiting and foul-smelling stools. Although the exact underlying cause is unknown, celiac disease occurs when an individual who has the disease consumes gluten, which causes an autoimmune reaction that damages the lining of the small intestine. As a result, the small intestine can no longer absorb vitamins, minerals and other nutrients properly. Gluten is found in grains such as oats and barley. Celiac disease can start only as a gluten intolerance, with milder symptoms, and develop into a more serious condition. Left untreated, it can lead to other diseases, such as inflammatory arthritis and certain types of intestinal cancer. Unlike IBS, celiac disease is diagnosed by specific blood tests along with other diagnostic procedures.
Lactose Intolerance
A common companion of celiac disease, lactose intolerance can also occur on its own. It is caused by the body's inability to digest the sugar lactose, which is commonly found in dairy products, particularly milk. According to the PubMed Health website, approximately 30 million American adults have some amount of lactose intolerance by the time they turn 20 years old. Symptoms include abdominal bloating and fullness after consuming dairy products, along with cramps, nausea and diarrhea. Consult your doctor if you suspect you have lactose intolerance.
Considerations
While IBS, lactose intolerance and celiac disease are some conditions that can lead to feeling bloated and full after every meal, there are many other disorders than can cause the same symptoms. Malabsorption syndromes, gastroesophageal reflux and swallowing air while eating can lead to feeling full and bloated after eating. Intolerance to certain foods cans also cause similar symptoms. In rare cases, cancer of the stomach or small intestine are the culprits. If you are experiencing the bloating and full feeling on a regular basis after eating, it's important to consult a doctor to rule out any serious gastrointestinal disorders.
