Health, Obesity

Stomach Cramps After Eating: What It Could Mean

Does your stomach hurt after eating? If your tummy hurts after eating this may be due to a number of digestive problems.

Summary: 60 Second Read

Causes for Stomach Pain-

INDIGESTION- Indigestion is one of the most common causes for stomach cramps. If the pain does not go away by regular home remedies or over-the-counter medicines, one must consult a doctor.

IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS)- Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be another cause for stomach pain or cramps. The exact cause for this condition is unknown but its symptoms can be treated by making small diet and lifestyle changes.

STOMACH ULCER- Stomach ulcers may also cause stomach pains and they occur as a result of an infection or from taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

GALLSTONES- You may experience stomach pain due to gallstones as well. If you think that the pain may be caused by gallstones, consult your doctor immediately.

Stomach Cramp after eating

The most common cause for stomach pain is Indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). But there are times when pain after eating can be a sign of something more serious.

Here are 4 common causes of stomach pain after eating, and guidance on how to treat and manage any discomfort.

1. Indigestion

Indigestion is a common condition that affects many of us at one point or another.

Symptoms vary from person to person, but it often causes discomfort after eating, and can feel like a burning pain in the tummy.

Other symptoms may include feeling uncomfortably full (bloating), nausea, having excess gas and a burning pain in the chest (heartburn).

You may also bring up a small amount of food or bitter-tasting fluid.

Indigestion can usually be treated at home, by:

Cutting down on caffeine, fizzy drinks and alcohol
Eating less rich, fatty or spicy food
Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your stomach
Giving up smoking (if you smoke)
Sleeping in a more upright position -- by putting an extra pillow behind your head and shoulders when you go to bed.

For fast relief, antacid medicine may help. This neutralises acid in the stomach which can cause indigestion and should ease your symptoms.

If your indigestion doesn't respond to any of these treatments, see a doctor. They will be able to prescribe stronger medications and run checks to rule out a medical condition like gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (know more about reflux (GERD) surgery) , where acid from the stomach leaks up into the oesophagus and stones in gall-bladder (know more about gall-bladder stone surgery) or pancreas.

You should also see a doctor if you have indigestion and you are:

Feeling a lump in your tummy in a lot of pain
Aged 55 or older
Losing weight without trying to
Having difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
Vomiting
Suffering from iron deficiency anaemia
Noticing blood in your vomit or poo

Summary- Indigestion is one of the most common causes for stomach cramps. If the pain does not go away by regular home remedies or over-the-counter medicines, one must consult a doctor.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

IBS is a long-term or chronic condition where you experience bouts of tummy pain or cramps that are often worse after eating. The pain can be sharp, but may ease after doing a poo.

Other IBS symptoms include constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, backache, nausea and feeling tired. Occasionally, you may find that you can’t control when you poo (incontinence) or have problems peeing.

The exact causes of IBS are unknown, but the symptoms can be treated by making small changes to your diet and lifestyle. If you think you have IBS, a doctor can help to diagnose your symptoms.

However, you should see a doctor quickly if you’ve:

Lost a lot of weight without trying to
Noticed bleeding from your bottom or blood in diarrhoea
Got a hard lump or swelling in the tummy area
Got shortness of breath and pale skin

Summary- Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be another cause for stomach pain or cramps. The exact cause for this condition is unknown but its symptoms can be treated by making small diet and lifestyle changes.

3. Stomach Ulcer

Stomach ulcers are open sores that form when the layer that protects the stomach lining from stomach acid breaks down -- damaging the lining of your stomach.

They can occur as a result of an infection or from taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

If you have a stomach ulcer, you may experience pain in the upper abdomen. This may get better or worse after eating (depending on the location of the ulcer).

You may also have symptoms of indigestion, heartburn or nausea.

You may find you can reduce some of your symptoms by:

Losing weight (if you’re overweight)
Avoiding foods that may trigger symptoms, like coffee, chocolate or tomatoes
Eating smaller meals
Eating your evening meal 3 to 4 hours before you go to bed
Drinking less alcohol
Giving up smoking (if you smoke)

It may be best to avoid NSAID medications such as ibuprofen if you think you have a stomach ulcer, but If you take it regularly under prescription first discuss this with a doctor.

If you think you have a stomach ulcer you should see a doctor as they may prescribe a treatment.

You should get medical help urgently if you:

Vomit blood
Pass dark-coloured poo
Feel a sharp pain in your tummy that gets worse

Summary- Stomach ulcers may also cause stomach pains and they occur as a result of an infection or from taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen.

4. Gallstones

Gallstones are small stones that form in your gallbladder. It’s estimated that 1 in 10 people may have them, though not everyone will experience symptoms.

Gallstones are usually harmless but they can cause tummy pain if they get stuck in one of the passageways (or ducts) that lead to your gallbladder.

This pain can come on suddenly, be severe and last for up to 5 hours. The pain may also get worse when you eat a heavy meal.

If you think your pain may be caused by gallstones, you should see a doctor as you may need to have them removed.

Painkillers can help to ease your symptoms, but try to avoid foods that make your symptoms worse, such as foods high in saturated fat.

Summary- You may experience stomach pain due to gallstones as well. If you think that the pain may be caused by gallstones, consult your doctor immediately.