Abdominal pain after eating is a common symptom. The abdominal pain may either come on, or worsen, after eating. Here’s a list of the top three causes of abdominal pain caused or worsened by eating.
1. Indigestion
The medical term for indigestion is dyspepsia. Dyspepsia or indigestion means different things to different people, however there are a set of common symptoms:
- Abdominal pain / discomfort
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Bloating / belching
Dyspepsia is a very common problem and the majority of people will suffer from mild indigestion at some point. There are lots of remedies available over the counter or from your doctor.
2. Gallstones
Gallstones form in a small pouch known as the gall bladder. The gall bladder is responsible for storing and concentrating bile before it is moved through the bile ducts into the gut. Gallstones form when the liquid bile forms a solid stone, these stones can then become blocked in the bile ducts causing pain (often referred to as biliary colic).
Pain from gallstones may worsen after eating due to the stimulation of the gall bladder by the meal. This occurs especially with fatty meals as the purpose of bile is to help in the breakdown of fats.
3. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome, or IBS, is a common chronic condition affecting the digestive system. The symptoms of IBS are variable but normally include constipation, nausea, bloating and abdominal pain and cramping. The precise cause of Irritable Bowel Syndrome is not know.
