If you experience stomach cramps after eating, you might have an inflammation of your pancreas, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This illness, called pancreatitis, can lead to serious and even fatal consequences if untreated. Ongoing mild or severe stomach pain after eating requires prompt medical attention. In some cases, the stomach cramps may radiate to your back.
Types of Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis comes on suddenly and last for days, notes MayoClinic.com, but that's usually the end of it. On the other hand, if you experience frequent stomach pains after eating, you might have chronic pancreatitis. After a bout of either type of pancreatitis, you must allow your pancreas to rest, which generally means that you cannot have any food or drink for at least a couple of days once your doctor diagnoses the condition. Both types of pancreatitis usually require a number of days in the hospital for intravenous painkillers, antibiotics and nutrition.
Additional Symptoms
If you have chronic pancreatitis, you might notice oily stools, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other symptoms associated with both types of pancreatic inflammation include nausea, vomiting, jaundice, fever, abdominal tenderness, sweating, rapid heart rate and rapid breathing. In severe cases, fluid leaks from the pancreas into the abdomen and can cause life-threatening internal bleeding.
Identifying Risk Factors
Gallstones, which block the duct of the gallbladder, are the most common cause of acute pancreatitis, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Chronic alcohol abuse is the most common cause of chronic pancreatitis. Other risk factors include use of medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, high cholesterol, cystic fibrosis, hepatitis and abdominal injury. Pancreatitis occurs most in people between the ages of 35 and 64, and African Americans are at higher risk of this condition than the general population.
Diagnosis
The deep location of the pancreas within the abdomen makes it difficult to easily diagnose stomach cramps after eating as pancreatitis, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. Your doctor might order tests such as an abdominal ultrasound, a CT scan, X-rays and blood tests. Also, a sample of your stool can be tested to determine whether you have acute or chronic pancreatitis.
Food and Beverage Guidelines
If you suspect pancreatic problems or have pancreatitis, stay away from high-fat foods, advises the University of Maryland Medical Center. Also, caffeine may stimulate your pancreas, so you should limit or avoid drinks such as coffee or cola. You should also avoid drinking alcohol and using tobacco, and you should refrain from eating refined foods such as white bread, pasta and sugar.
