Lower Abdominal Pain after Eating

Abdominal pain is one of the most common conditions experienced by people of all age groups all over the world. It is a symptom of all gastrointestinal diseases and disorders. In minor cases, it can be caused due to indigestion, constipation, etc. In severe cases, this can be a symptom of certain severe disorders. Sometimes, people suffer from abdominal pain after having meals. Let us take a look at the causes and remedies for the same.

Causes of Abdominal Pain After Eating

Pain or cramps in stomach after having meals can either be caused due to consumption of improper food or due to some underlying disorder. There are several reasons that can lead to this condition. The following are the few causes.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome is one of the significant causes of suffering from abdominal pain after eating food. Although the exact cause of this condition is unknown, several factors like diet, stress, etc. lead to this condition. The condition is marked by constipation or diarrhea, bloating, flatulence, etc.

Food Intolerance
Sometimes, people cannot digest certain kinds of foods and hence, when they consume these foods, they suffer from negative reactions. This is known as food intolerance. Among the different types of food intolerance, wheat or gluten intolerance and lactose intolerance are the major ones when people cannot tolerate or digest wheat containing products or milk and milk products respectively. Stomach cramps, pain, nausea, etc. are the symptoms of any kind of food intolerance.

Intestinal Obstruction
Intestinal obstruction, also known as bowel obstruction, is a condition that develops when the intestines get blocked or obstructed due to various reasons like tumor, hernia, injury, etc. Symptoms of it include right or left lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, etc.

Diverticulitis
Diverticulitis is a condition that develops when the diverticula or the sacs located inside the stomach get inflamed. Sharp stomach pain after eating, fever, nausea, changes in bowel habits, etc. are the symptoms of diverticulitis.

Gastritis
Gastritis occurs when the inner lining of the stomach gets inflamed. This condition can develop due to trauma, having excess alcohol, eating spicy foods, etc. Lower abdominal pain and cramps that worsen on having food, nausea, vomiting, etc., are the symptoms of this condition.

Treatment of Abdominal Pain

If a person observes these symptoms, he/ she should consult the doctor immediately. The doctor will advise physical examination, X-ray and MRI to diagnose the condition. The treatment, of course, depends on the cause and severity of these conditions. Although there is no cure for irritable bowel syndrome, there are medications that help in alleviating the symptoms. People are also advised to stay away from factors that trigger off this condition, to prevent it from recurring.

It is also advisable to identify food intolerance and stay away from it in order to prevent severe lower abdominal pain after eating. Diverticulitis can be treated with the help of medications or, in severe cases, surgery may even be required. Gastritis can be treated with the help of medications. However, one also needs to follow a strict diet for the prevention of this condition. Intestinal obstruction can be treated with the help of surgical procedures.

Lastly, as a concluding note, one should remember that all the above mentioned causes can be effectively treated if timely or quick treatment is undertaken. Take care!