Therapist named the causes of stomach pain after eating

Stomach pain after eating may indicate not only problems with the gastrointestinal tract but also such dangerous conditions as pneumonia and myocardial infarction.

As reported by TUT.AZ, this was stated in an interview with "Gazeta.Ru" by Irina Volgina, Associate Professor of the Department of Therapy at the Faculty of Medicine of the State University of Education.

"Stomach pain after eating is one of the most common complaints that patients bring to a gastroenterologist or general practitioner. Only a specialist can determine the true cause of this symptom. For instance, pain in the upper abdomen may turn out to be a sign of pneumonia or even myocardial infarction. If the pain occurs suddenly and intensifies, a visit to the doctor should not be delayed. The causes of abdominal pain can include gastritis, functional dyspepsia, peptic ulcer disease, pancreatitis, and stomach cancer. In addition, attention should be paid to accompanying symptoms — heartburn, belching, nausea, vomiting, bloating, stool disorders, decreased appetite, and weight loss," she noted.

Volgina particularly emphasized that when experiencing stomach pain, self-medication and resorting to folk remedies are strictly prohibited — they can seriously worsen the condition.

"If the symptoms are recurring, esophagogastroduodenoscopy is often prescribed. However, the indications, contraindications, and appropriateness of this procedure are determined exclusively by a doctor. If your emotional state affects the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, be sure to inform your doctor about it. This does not rule out a serious pathology but may influence the treatment approach. Self-medication is unacceptable, as is following folk recipes or recommendations from acquaintances. Doctors are guided by medical standards, clinical guidelines, and the results of scientific research, bear responsibility for their work, and select therapy based on the specific clinical situation. Folk medicine and advice from others can often cause harm. For example, many patients take baking soda for heartburn, which can increase inflammation in the stomach, provoke peptic ulcer disease, and even cancer," the specialist added.