What Causes Stomach Cramps After Having Meal?

Posted on Wed, 8 Oct 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 8 Oct 2014 Answered on

Fri, 31 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have periodic stomach pain that builds to cramping over a 4 to 6 hour period after a meal. Only relief so far is forced regurgitation. By this time food is digested and mostly liquid is present. If stomach is completely emptied - usually more than one session required - the pain and cramping is immediately relieved. This occurs on a 2 to 4 day cycle.

Answered by Dr. Prakash H Muddegowda (48 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
malabsorption/ lactose intolerance

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Prakash HM and I will be answering your query.
Based on your symptoms and query, my opinion is as follows.
1. 4-6 hours after food intake indicates a possible intestinal level complaint.
2. Lactose intolerance or malabsorption leading on to increased gas production and hence cramps appears to be the reason.
3. Careful evaluation of diet should possibly guide on the food, which could be causing intolerance.
4. Further stool examination and intestinal biopsy may be necessary.

If possible, provide more information (since when, any medication, any chronic disease) and also see if it correlates with any particular diet or food.
Any recent increased fiber intake?

You will be loosing weight due to this condition. Get a stool examination also done.

Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.

Dr. Prakash HM

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar