Definition
Stomach pains are usually pain that occurs in the left to middle of the upper abdomen. Although the pain is felt in the stomach area, stomach pain does not always occur here. Stomach pain can also originate from the intestines, pancreas, liver or even the heart.
However, if the pain occurs immediately after eating, it is likely to be caused by the stomach. Stomach pain is of an oppressive, stabbing or burning character. If severe stomach pain occurs suddenly and several times in a short period of time, this is called stomach cramps. Stomach cramps after eating can also be associated with other complaints such as belching and heartburn, a feeling of fullness, diarrhoea and nausea.
Cause
Stomach cramps after eating can have their cause in the diet and habits of the person concerned, but also in diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Often the food itself is the trigger for stomach cramps after eating. Some foods irritate the stomach lining, which leads to an increased production of gastric acid.
In addition to gastric acid, the stomach also forms a mucus that coats the stomach lining and thus normally protects it from gastric acid. If the production of gastric acid is increased, gastric acid predominates over the mucus that protects the stomach. The gastric mucosa is thus more susceptible and is attacked by the gastric acid.
This can manifest itself in complaints such as stomach cramps after eating. Foods that irritate the stomach lining and thus lead to an increased production of gastric acid are, for example, fatty and spicy foods. Alcohol, coffee and nicotine also promote the production of gastric acid.
Cola and other soft drinks, as well as citrus fruits, are themselves acidic and therefore also irritate the mucous membrane of the stomach. These foods can therefore lead to stomach cramps or abdominal pain. Cabbage and beans, as well as carbonated drinks, bloat the stomach.
This causes the stomach wall to stretch, which also leads to increased production of gastric acid and can in turn damage the mucous membrane. Particularly rich and fatty foods encourage gastric acid to run back into the esophagus and can therefore often be the cause of heartburn. Often, however, it is simply the way food is consumed that triggers the development of stomach cramps after eating.
For example, in a stressful working life, large amounts of food are consumed hectically or even food is completely avoided during the day and large portions are eaten in the evening. All this puts a strain on the stomach and leads to discomfort. Stomach cramps, which occasionally occur after eating or can be attributed to a particular meal that may have been very fatty, rich and difficult to digest, are usually harmless and usually disappear on their own.
In general, however, very severe stomach cramps, which occur repeatedly over several days, should be clarified by a doctor. It is also advisable to consult a doctor if, in addition to the stomach cramps after eating, other complaints such as vomiting, blood in the stool or fever occur. Because in addition to the causes mentioned, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can also be the reason for stomach cramps after eating. These include inflammation of the mucous membrane of the stomach, a stomach ulcer, stomach cancer, irritable stomach syndrome, infections of the gastrointestinal tract, and food poisoning. Other possible causes of stomach cramps after eating are food intolerances (such as so-called lactose intolerance, in which lactose is not tolerated) or allergies to certain food components (such as so-called celiac disease, in which a component in cereals is not tolerated).
