What Causes a Stomach Ache After Eating?

There are a number of different medical conditions and various factors that can cause a stomach ache after eating, some of which are very serious while others are fairly minor. Some of the most common causes of such a stomach ache include overeating, eating of foods that may be difficult to digest, and physical intolerance to certain foods, such as those that contain lactose. More severe causes can include acid reflux, heartburn, and food poisoning, as well as serious medical conditions such as pancreatitis, ulcers, and appendicitis.

A stomach ache is typically described as a feeling of discomfort throughout a person’s abdomen or in a specific part of the abdomen. Some of the most common causes of such discomfort are overeating or eating of certain foods that may cause a person discomfort. Overeating typically leads to abdominal pain as the stomach is stretched, and drinking too much liquid while eating can cause discomfort as the stomach acids are diluted by the liquid, resulting in slowed digestion.

Some people can experience a stomach ache after eating foods they cannot properly digest. This often includes dairy products that include lactose, as certain people cannot effectively handle the milk sugar in their bodies, leading to discomfort and other physical reactions. Food poisoning due to food that is improperly handled or undercooked can also cause extreme discomfort, diarrhea, and vomiting as a person’s body tries to remove harmful bacteria from the system.

Conditions such as acid reflux and heartburn can cause a stomach ache, as well as a feeling of burning in the esophagus and upper stomach. This can make eating difficult and may prevent a person from eating enough food for proper health and nutrition. A stomach ulcer can also cause pain after or during eating, especially when eating foods high in acidity or spiciness.

Certain serious medical conditions can cause a stomach ache after eating, such as pancreatitis and appendicitis. Pancreatitis is often identified by severe pain in the upper abdomen immediately or up to 12 hours after eating. The pain often spreads to the sides and back and may be followed by nausea and a fever. Appendicitis can frequently cause intense pain in the lower right side of a person’s abdomen, which may be followed by nausea, vomiting, and a fever. Anyone experiencing abdominal pain over an extended period of time or more severe symptoms, such as vomiting or fever, should consult a medical professional for more information.