Abdominal pain after eating

General

If abdominal pain occurs after eating, this can have numerous causes. These range from relatively harmless Food intolerance about innate Food intolerance up to rare, malicious ones Tumor diseases. In order to find the correct diagnosis, an accurate diagnosis is essential anamnese and many different diagnostic examination techniques are necessary.

causes

The causes of abdominal pain after eating are very diverse. Out

this reason are often numerous laboratory, diagnostic imaging and other medical technology Investigations necessary to establish a diagnosis. In the following, the most important causes of abdominal pain, which typically occur immediately after eating, will be named and briefly described.

Many patients complain of abdominal pain or stomach discomfort after ingesting food. A stomach ulcer can be behind the stomach pain after eating. The decisive factor here is when the complaints occur. Pain immediately after eating could indicate an ulcer on the stomach wall, abdominal pain that disappears after eating suggests an ulcer of the duodenum. If the abdominal pain is closely related to food intake, a gallstone in the gallbladder could also be the cause. These post-meal abdominal pains occur a few minutes to a few hours, especially after eating fatty foods.

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The pain is mostly localized on the right side diagonally above the navel. The cause is the contraction of the gallbladder after eating fatty foods. These contractions press stones stored in it against the gallbladder wall and cause pain. Patients with a Inflammation of the pancreas (Pancreatitis), whose pain is more like a belt around the abdomen.

In general, the pain can occur in any body position and region of the abdomen. For example, some patients complain about Abdominal pain while sitting or Abdominal pain in the middle.

Abdominal pain from food or food intolerance

The most common stomach pain are triggered by flatulent food. After eating legumes, e.g. After a while, there is often very severe abdominal pain, which, however, disappears after using the toilet or for breathing (flatulence) but usually increase in intensity again immediately. At a Food intolerance, such as. of the Lactose intolerance it occurs after consuming milk or dairy products nausea often too cramping abdominal pain. The pain is mostly localized over the intestinal area, is oppressive and stabbing in nature and usually only improves after using the toilet.

Wrong diet

Too much, too greasy, or too fast food can cause abdominal pain in some people immediately after eating. Also a chronic one constipation (Constipation) can lead to an uncomfortable feeling of fullness and abdominal pain after eating.

The symptoms and the likelihood of occurrence vary greatly from person to person. The chronic constipation can be due to mild laxative Medication and one Diet change usually treated well. Also a sufficient one Drinking amount regulates bowel movements and is therefore essential for symptoms of this type. Whether you ate too much, too fast or too greasy and this was not tolerated, differs from person to person and very situation-dependent. Accordingly, not every abdominal pain can be adequately explained or diagnosed. In this case, only a slower and less food intake helps, depending on your own well-being.

Food intolerance

Under one Food intolerance one understands all the symptoms that directly follow food intake. These can and can be very different itching, Rash, Abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, a headache and also Difficulty breathing cause. Numerous examinations are often necessary to make the correct diagnosis. The exact anamnesis is particularly important.
Often the patients introduce over a few weeks Symptom diaryto filter out the specific food. Although it seems that many people suffer from food intolerance, the real intolerances that are associated with a reduction in quality of life are comparatively rare.
This is particularly common Lactose intolerance. In this case, the intestine does not produce sufficient quantities of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down milk sugar in the intestine.In this case, the intestines cannot digest the lactose sufficiently. This causes the lactose to enter the undigested Large intestine and begins to ferment there. this leads to malaise, stomach pain or other symptoms.
Approx. 15 out of 100 people in Germany suffer from a more or less pronounced lactose intolerance. A Breath test for diagnosis can help to make the correct diagnosis. However, this only makes sense if there is actually a suspicion of lactose intolerance. In many cases the test is false positive. Since there is no curative therapy, the only way to relieve symptoms is to avoid lactose.

The symptoms of the are similar to lactose intolerance Fructose intolerance. This is an intolerance to fructose, which reaches the intestine undigested and also closes there Flatulence, diarrhea and stomach pain after eating. However, fructose intolerance should not be confused with intestinal fructose intolerance. This is associated with a congenital transporter defect in the intestine and leads to massive and dangerous symptoms early on. A breath test can also be used in the case of fructose intolerance. However, even in this case there is no curative therapy. Symptoms can only be alleviated by not eating the appropriate foods.

Inflammation of the lining of the stomach (gastritis)

The gastric mucosal inflammation is a disease that occurs due to an unhealthy lifestyle, chronic Alcohol or nicotine use, some Medication (Acetylsalicylic acid, Ibuprofen, ...) or the bacterium Helicobacter pylori can be triggered. Does it run chronic (Chronic gastritis), they can lead to serious complications like Bleeding in the stomach, one Gastric perforation or one Gastric ulcer to lead. As a rule, in this case there are no symptoms for a long time.

The acute gastric mucosal inflammation goes with a feeling of pressure especially in Upper abdomen, Loss of appetite, nausea and Eructation hand in hand. Typically, symptoms worsen after eating.

Gastric ulcer (ulcer)

A stomach ulcer is a complication of chronic inflammation of the lining of the stomach. This can be triggered by certain drugs, the bacterium Helicobacter pylori, impaired stomach movement or increased production of stomach acid. But nicotine or alcohol abuse can also damage the stomach lining and promote the formation of a stomach ulcer. The symptoms of a stomach ulcer are Nausea and pain in the middle of the upper abdomen, as well as vomiting, heartburn, and weight loss. Typically, these symptoms worsen immediately after ingesting food or on an empty stomach.

To diagnose a Gastric ulcer or one Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) is usually used by the Gastroscopy (Gastroscopy), which enables the examiner to look closely at the gastric mucosa. As a rule, the therapy is based on an inhibition of the high acid production of the stomach Proton pump inhibitors. Complications arise like one Gastric bleeding or a breakthrough in the stomach ulcer occurs, surgery is necessary.

Gallstones

Gallstones arise when the body's own substances like cholesterol or protein in the Gallbladder solidify. Risk factors for gallstone disease include older age, female gender, Obesity and Nicotine use. The symptoms of gallstone disease consist of one thing right-sided colicky Upper abdominal pain. The gallbladder produces a lot of bile, especially after very high fat meals. However, this cannot leave the gallbladder due to the stones. This leads to strong contractions of the gallbladder, causing the colicky Upper abdominal pain to be triggered. For this reason, the pain occurs more frequently after very high-fat meals. However, in some cases, there are no symptoms at all for a long time. Therapy is usually not necessary. Causes the Gallbladder, however, severe pain, this is usually removed (Cholecystectomy). Gallstones can also be resolved with medication, but the disease usually occurs again. Because of this, the Gallbladder removal the therapy of first choice.

Psychosomatic complaints

Psychological stress or psychosomatic complaints can also lead to abdominal pain after eating. The constellation of symptoms is very diverse and individual. In the case of persistent abdominal pain after eating, many other causes should be considered first. However, if the results are unsatisfactory, psychosomatic diagnostics are always useful and important. A lot of stress and mental stress of any kind can produce real physical symptoms.

However, in order to find the true cause of the physical symptoms, the patient must engage in the examination and diagnosis. This usually consists of many Conversations, relaxation exercises and rest. In contrast to the usual diagnostic means. Since the abdominal pain in this case cannot be cured by medication or other therapies, psychosomatic therapy is often helpful and curative.

Abdominal pain after eating in children

If children or baby may complain of abdominal pain after eating various causes to have.
First and foremost must be older children to a Food intolerance, especially the Lactose intolerance be thought. This is a intolerance from Lactosewhich is caused by a lactase deficiency. This enzyme is usually used for Splitting of milk sugar into galactose and glucose. If there is an enzyme deficiency, osmotically effective amounts occur lactose in the colon and bind there water. Then the symptom arises first diarrhea (Diarrhea). In addition, the water leads to an overall higher filling level of the intestine and thus to abdominal pain. In the further course the Lactase of the Bacteria of the intestine split what Gases and Flatulence arise.
Diagnostic can initially be a Elimination attempt of foods containing lactose. In many cases this leads to a spontaneous cessation of the symptoms. If the diagnosis cannot be made with certainty in this way, a H2 breath test be performed.
Be in this test 50g oral lactose given and then the Hydrogen content measured in the breath. This is pathologically high if there is no or an insufficient amount of enzyme to break down the lactose. An invasive method of making a diagnosis is one Small intestine biopsy. Here, as part of a gastroscopy, small samples are taken from the small intestine and the enzyme lactase is detected.

The best therapy with confirmed and symptomatic lactose intolerance is the Waiver, or the reduction in the amount of lactose consumed daily. Before traveling or when you plan to take lactose Lactase tabletswhich contain the enzyme help. At Children special care must be taken to ensure that no relative calcium deficiency arises.

In addition to lactose intolerance, you can also other food, such as fish, nuts, shellfish or chicken eggs to gastrointestinal complaints, in particular Pain, diarrhea and Flatulence to lead.
At nut- or Fish allergies stand however systemic reactions in the foreground like:

• Circulatory instability
• itching or
• Swelling of the airways

They also play with this form of the disease anamnese and the Elimination attempt an important role. In addition, can laboratory evidence of Immunoglobulin group G and methylhistamine can be detected in the urine. The allergy diagnosticsPrick test is performed on the forearm and is said to have local allergic reactions there. Here too there is the first therapy in the Food leave of the allergically active foods. In addition, a Hypo- or desensitization be performed. Here the Body slowly to the Allergen used to diminish the body's reaction. In some cases it must medicinal through a Mast cell stabilizer be treated. This is administered orally for food allergies and can lead to to cough, Burn and Irritation of the nose and eyes to lead.

For Infants <3 months is this drug is not approved.

In the differential diagnosis, especially in infants with abdominal pain and flatulence, the 3-month colic be thought. These lead to persistent screaming attacks of infants after meals that peak around the 6. Week of life lies. Usually the symptoms sound like at the end of the 3rd month of life off again. An exact cause for this is not yet known. It is believed that too large amounts of drinking, lots of air swallow during the meal (Aerophagy) and a increased gas formation in the intestine too painful peristalsis (Bowel movement) and Flatulence leads. Therapy is not required here. Can be symptomatic warm blankets on the stomach or a circling Abdominal massage help towards the anus (clockwise).

Special features in pregnancy

A pregnant woman's body goes through a number of changes.
Especially the strong one Impairment of the hormonal balance can cause various complaints in the expectant mother.

There can be different causes for the development of abdominal pain after eating in a woman who is pregnant.
Some of the expectant mothers develop during pregnancy Intolerance to certain foodsthat they originally could eat without any problems. One reason for this can be the hormonal changes in the organism.

If women who have been pregnant for a long time suffer from abdominal pain after eating, these symptoms can be caused by a excessive filling of the stomach caused.
If you are pregnant, the growing child pushes the organs of the abdomen increasingly towards the chest. For this reason, there is no room for a wide stretching of the stomach.
For this reason, it is recommended for women who frequently suffer from abdominal pain after eating no large portions to take in. Those affected should small meals several times a day eat to avoid over-filling the stomach and prevent abdominal pain.

Upper abdominal pain after eating

Abdominal pain after eating, which is mainly limited to the upper abdomen, can be caused by a excessive filling of the stomach caused.

In addition, abdominal pain in the area of ​​the upper abdomen after eating can be a first indication of the presence of a so-called Irritable stomach be.
In this case, the affected patients feel a pain in addition to the pain pronounced feeling of fullness and suffer from nausea.
Also the appearance of additional nausea is not uncommon.

It can also cause inflammatory processes or Ulcers of the stomach lead to abdominal pain in the upper abdomen immediately after eating.

Abdominal pain in the upper abdomen that is not immediate but rather two to three hours Occurring after eating, are usually carried through deeper sections of the Gastrointestinal tract caused.

If the complaints can be assigned to the middle area of ​​the upper abdomen, they are Diseases of the pancreas probably.
Typically, these abdominal pain radiate in the affected patient belt-shaped up to the back out.

Probably the most common cause of abdominal pain after eating, which mainly occurs in the area of ​​the right upper abdomen Gallbladder diseases (Inflammation of the gallbladder) or Obstructions of the draining bile ducts.

Older patients in particular should check for the presence of abdominal pain in the upper abdomen after eating Gallstones to be examined.

Abdominal pain and diarrhea after eating

A possible cause for the occurrence of abdominal pain after eating can be the so-called "Irritable bowel syndrome" be.
This disease is a functional disorder of the large intestine in which no pathological changes in the intestinal walls can be detected.

Patients with irritable bowel syndrome often experience abdominal pain after eating.
The occurrence of diarrhea, which is observed in connection with food intake, is a typical symptom of this disease.

The colon of the affected patient is more sensitive than usual to various stimuli, such as worry, grief, stress or different foods.

Usually the abdominal pain occurs in the affected patient some hours after eating. So exactly at the point in time when the chyme enters the colon passage.

Usually the abdominal pain is felt in the area of ​​the lower left stomach area after eating.
The quality of the pain can range from a strong feeling of tension to pronounced cramps.

In addition, those affected suffer from a constant change between constipation (Constipation) and diarrhea.
The cause of diarrhea in patients with irritable bowel syndrome is excessive sensitivity of the nerves and muscles of the large intestine.
This usually results in a spontaneous, involuntary contraction of the intestinal walls.

On the one hand, those affected can perceive these contractions as abdominal pain, on the other hand they cause the intestinal contents to be transported on too quickly.
The intestinal walls are not able to absorb sufficient fluid due to the rapid passage. Diarrhea develops.

Women suffer from irritable bowel-associated abdominal pain and diarrhea after eating much more frequently than men.
For many women, abdominal pain occurs mainly during menstruation, or it worsens during this period.

Patients suffering from abdominal pain and diarrhea after eating should consider foods that cause gas (for example onions) avoid.
In addition, care should be taken to ensure that there is an adequate intake of fiber.
This can increase the volume of the stool and improve the consistency of the stool.

In addition, it can be observed that the regular intake of small portions of food prevents the development of abdominal pain and diarrhea after eating.

Learn more about the topic Diarrhea after eating.

Abdominal pain and nausea after eating

For the onset of abdominal pain after eating related to severe nausea occur, there can be many causes.

The most common reasons for the appearance of such symptoms include diseases of the Stomach.
Patients under inflammatory changes in the lining of the stomach (Inflammation of the stomach lining, gastritis) suffer from pain in the middle of the upper abdomen and severe nausea after eating.

In addition, abdominal pain after eating, which occurs along with severe nausea, often relieves pregnant women observe.

Even with different infectious diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (caused by viruses or bacteria) it can too Abdominal pain and nausea come after dinner.

Patients should take care in this regard during infection only light food to take in.
Above all, fatty foods should be avoided for the time being.

In addition, severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting after eating can be an initial indication of a Food poisoning be.
Affected patients usually develop within six hours after eating severe stomach pain and pronounced cramps.
In the further course it can become pronounced nausea, Vomit and or diarrhea come.

Abdominal pain and gas after eating

Occur regularly after eating in combination with abdominal pain Flatulence or.Meteorism on, it may possibly be the so-called Irritable bowel syndrome act. Usually no organic cause can be assigned to the unspecific clinical picture. In addition to the mentioned, other complaints turn off. Further Symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome are e.g. Symptoms of diarrhea and constipation, cramps in the large intestine, a feeling of fullness, increased mucus discharge during bowel movements and vegetative symptoms such as an accelerated heartbeat, hot flashes and nervousness. In terms of prognosis, irritable bowel syndrome shows a good self-healing tendency.

Other causes of abdominal pain and gas after eating can be Food intolerancesuch as lactose or frcutose intolerance. However, high-carbohydrate foods made from short-chain carbohydrates (white flour products, sugar), hasty eating habits and a high-protein diet also cause gas for some people after eating.

Regular use of certain Medication (Antibiotics, some pain relievers) are also possible triggers. In addition, a inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and Ulcerative colitis) can be excluded.

Abdominal pain and loss of appetite after eating

Abdominal pain after eating and Loss of appetite or a subsequent feeling of fullness are typical symptoms of the so-called Irritable stomach. Those affected usually report belching and a feeling of pressure in the stomach area. Similar to irritable bowel syndrome, this is also a non-specific clinical picture without an organic correlate with beneficial Self-healing tendency.

A Gastrointestinal infection in many cases is also associated with loss of appetite and abdominal pain. In addition, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea occur.

Other diseases of the digestive tract, which in addition to abdominal pain after eating, can also trigger loss of appetite, are one Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis), Intolerances various foods and stomach or duodenal ulcers (Duodenal ulcer). An ulcer can develop as a result of chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane caused by long-term use of certain drugs, such as NSAIDs.
Other causes of loss of appetite, such as Liver disease or malicious changes in the gastrointestinal tract should be excluded.

Improvement in abdominal pain after eating

Abdominal pain can not only arise after eating, but can also be alleviated by ingesting food.

Patients under a Inflammation of the stomach lining (gastritis) sufferers often experience abdominal pain in one temporal relationship with food intake stand.
Typically, the intensity of the symptoms initially decreases immediately after eating.
However, some time after eating, the abdominal pain returns to its original strength or even increases in intensity.

People who have abdominal pain that get better after eating and then go back and / or get worse should get one soon See a doctor.

If there is inflammation of the gastric mucosa, treatment with so-called Proton pump inhibitors (Acid blockers) to initiate.

Summary

Abdominal pain after eating is a very non-specific symptom and can have numerous causes. In most cases, the causes of abdominal pain are relatively harmless and can often be resolved by a Diet change improve. In some cases, however, the abdominal pain is a sign of a serious illness. For this reason, abdominal pain that occurs regularly should always be diagnosed. Both the organic causes are here as one Inflammation of the stomach lining, Gallstones or Food intolerance to investigate as well as a psychosomatic Component. This should not be disregarded in any case, as stomach pain is very often an expression of stress or other mental charges can be.