What causes stomach pain, abdominal pain, and diarrhea right after eating?

Oct 13, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhao Haiming
Introduction
Abdominal pain generally refers to stomachache, and diarrhea usually means loose stools. Experiencing stomach pain, abdominal pain, and diarrhea immediately after eating may be caused by conditions such as acute gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome, intestinal dysbiosis, gastric ulcer, or duodenal ulcer. Individuals who frequently or chronically experience digestive discomfort are advised to promptly visit a hospital for appropriate examinations to determine the exact cause and receive corresponding treatment.

Abdominal pain generally refers to stomachache, while diarrhea usually indicates loose or frequent bowel movements. Experiencing stomach pain, abdominal pain, and diarrhea immediately after eating may be caused by conditions such as acute gastroenteritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal flora imbalance, gastric ulcer, or duodenal ulcer. Timely and proper medical treatment can help improve symptoms.

1. Acute Gastroenteritis

Stomach pain, abdominal pain, and diarrhea after eating may result from consuming unclean or spoiled food, leading to infection by pathogens such as Salmonella or Vibrio parahaemolyticus, which cause acute gastroenteritis. Symptoms may also include fever, vomiting, and general weakness. Following a doctor's advice, appropriate use of antibiotics such as levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, amoxicillin capsules, or cefaclor capsules can help control inflammation and improve symptoms.

2. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

This condition may be triggered by eating too quickly, overeating, high stress levels, anxiety, or depression, resulting in gastrointestinal dysfunction and IBS. Other accompanying symptoms may include bloating, heartburn, acid reflux, and headaches. When diarrhea is prominent, anti-diarrheal medications such as loperamide hydrochloride capsules, compound diphenoxylate tablets, or smectite powder may be used as directed by a physician. For significant pain, antispasmodic drugs such as scopolamine hydrobromide injection, pethidine hydrochloride tablets, or racemic anisodamine tablets may help reduce discomfort.

3. Intestinal Flora Imbalance

Frequent consumption of spicy, cold, or spoiled foods may alter the intestinal microenvironment, reducing beneficial bacteria and leading to intestinal flora imbalance. This often results in noticeable symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Under medical guidance, supplementation with probiotics—such as compound acidophilus lactobacillus tablets, bifidobacterium triple viable capsules, or lactobacillus tablets—can help enhance digestive function and alleviate symptoms.

4. Gastric Ulcer

Ulcers in areas such as the antrum, angular notch, or cardia can damage the protective barrier of the digestive system, causing patients to experience noticeable dull stomach pain, abdominal pain, or diarrhea during or after eating. As advised by a doctor, using medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, compound aluminum hydroxide tablets, or vitamin U belladonna aluminum capsules can promote healing of the ulcerated tissue.

5. Duodenal Ulcer

This condition often leads to abnormal gastric acid secretion and irregular intestinal motility, reducing digestive efficiency. Patients may experience significant stomach pain, abdominal pain, and changes in stool consistency after eating. Following medical advice, medications such as ranitidine hydrochloride capsules, cimetidine tablets, or sodium bicarbonate tablets can help protect the gastrointestinal mucosa and relieve discomfort.

Individuals who frequently or chronically experience digestive discomfort should seek timely medical evaluation to identify the underlying cause through appropriate diagnostic tests and receive targeted treatment.