Many of us might overindulge during the holidays, but persistent stomach pain after eating can warn of a gastrointestinal illness. Here’s how to tell.

On average, 34% of Americans suffer stomach pain after eating during the holidays, thanks to enjoying too many rich foods and drinks. But if you experience pain after having only a couple of sugar cookies or a side dish of green bean casserole, you might be among a share of people with a digestive disorder.

Read about stomach pain causes and diagnoses here.

The good news is that symptoms such as gas or indigestion after eating typically do not signal a serious issue. However, you should be able to distinguish the difference, because the causes of persistent stomach pain after eating can and should be treated.

At least one in 10 people, for example, live with functional dyspepsia, a chronic disorder characterized by constant bloating and stomach pain after eating.

Other conditions that might cause stomach pain after eating include celiac disease, an autoimmune reaction to gluten; gastroesophageal reflux disease (chronic heartburn); irritable bowel syndrome; bile duct stones (gallstones); and inflammatory bowel disease.

Red-Flag Symptoms of Pain After Eating

The causes of stomach pain after eating present with different symptoms, but many overlap. Among the more common signs of a digestive issue and causes:

• Bloating, gas, and/or a feeling of fullness – Caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), celiac disease, and gallstones.
• Abdominal cramping and pain – This can be brought on by IBD-related inflammation, celiac disease (gluten intolerance), IBS, gallstones (in the upper abdomen), or certain gastrointestinal cancers.
• Prolonged constipation – A sign of celiac disease, IBS, a tumor, or damaged colon tissue blocking stool.
• Diarrhea, or urgent need to have a bowel movement – Triggered by IBS, IBD, and celiac disease.
• Nausea/vomiting – Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), celiac disease, and gallstones can bring on physical sickness, as well as some GI cancers.
• Rectal bleeding or bloody stools – A symptom of IBD, GERD (from acid irritating the esophagus), stomach or colon cancer, and peptic ulcers (stomach lesions).
• Burning stomach and chest after eating – This is a typical sign of GERD, and also of celiac disease.
• Discomfort or trouble swallowing (dysphagia) – A symptom that chronic acid reflux (GERD) has caused the food pipe (esophagus) to narrow.

Diagnosing the Causes of Stomach Pain: What to Expect

A gastroenterologist can order tests to diagnose why you have stomach pain after eating. Prepare to undergo a physical exam, during which your doctor will feel your abdomen for areas of tenderness, growths, and distension.

If the doctor is unable to identify the cause of your stomach pain from the exam, you could undergo other diagnostic tests. Among them:

Internal imaging – Your doctor might want to see your gastrointestinal tract through X-rays, including a CT scan (which generates a detailed, cross-sectional image of the area). If so, you will need to drink a chalky mixture, called barium, which coats your tract to be revealed on X-rays.

A urinalysis – One of the most common tests to detect why you experience stomach pain after eating, a urinalysis scans a sample of your urine for blood or bacteria, which can cause infection. Be ready to provide a small urine sample in a cup.

A blood analysis – To detect issues like infections or inflammation, your doctor might request a blood sample from you. Medical staff will view the sample microscopically to assess your blood count to fight infections, as well as blood chemistry, such as enzyme levels that might signal pancreatic issues.

A stool analysis – A stool sample can reveal signs of blood or pus, which suggests an infection or GI irritation. Expect to provide the sample from the comfort of your home using a small kit provided by the doctor’s office.

An upper endoscopy – In some cases, your condition might require a closer view of your GI tract through an outpatient procedure called an endoscopy. Your doctor accomplishes this using a slim, flexible tube equipped with a lighted camera, called an endoscope. The tube is gently guided from your mouth into your esophagus, stomach, and upper small intestine while sending wireless images to a nearby monitor for your doctor to review. Learn more about what to expect from an endoscopy here.

Capsule endoscopy – Often used to view the small intestine, a capsule endoscopy takes pictures of your GI tract from a tiny camera nestled into a small, clear capsule that you swallow. The camera sends the images remotely to your physician as it travels through your digestive system. You then pass the camera in your stool. Our capsule endoscopy website explains more.

If your stomach discomfort is accompanied by rectal bleeding or weight loss, you should be examined by a gastroenterologist promptly for a diagnosis. It can be serious. Your doctor’s diagnosis will help determine your best path to treatment.

Tips for Managing Stomach Pain After Eating

While waiting to see a doctor, you can try to manage your symptoms of stomach discomfort. Our doctors offer these tips to help reduce stomach pain after eating.

• Eat slowly, and chew well. This gives your digestive system more time to process your food, and makes it easier to do so.
• Trust your gut. A food diary will help you detect and avoid foods that trigger stomach pain. Gluten is the culprit for those with celiac disease, and dairy for the lactose intolerant. Acids aggravate GERD. Rule of thumb: Limit fats, because they take longer to digest than carbohydrates, as well as high-fiber foods, which cause bloating.
• Flush, flush, flush with water. Good hydration spares your small intestine from having to pull water from the rest of your body, so food moves along more smoothly, relieving constipation. Water also fills you up, so you eat less.
• Imbibe with your stomach in mind. Alcohol can slow the pace at which your stomach empties food, bringing about pain, bloating, nausea, and heartburn after eating. Studies show red wine and beer can have this effect after just one or two glasses.
• Exercise your GI tract. Get some light activity after a meal, even just taking a walk. It should push digestion along to ease bloating and discomfort.
• Ask about medications. Talk to your doctor about taking antacids for your stomach pain, as well as drugs that can cause stomach discomfort, such as blood pressure medicine.

It’s frustrating to avoid your favorite treats because they cause pain. However, you can still celebrate with limited portions, tasty food substitutes, and non-eating activities, such as storytelling or games.

Best of luck and best wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season.

If you’d like to consult one of our specialists about stomach pain after eating or other digestive issues, you can request an appointment here. Patients can sign up for our patient portal to communicate with a provider in a secure setting.