What Causes Upper Abdominal Pain After Eating?

Upper abdominal pain after eating typically stems from digestive issues involving the stomach, gallbladder, or pancreas. Possible causes include gastritis (stomach lining inflammation), peptic ulcers, and gallbladder problems such as gallstones. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also trigger pain when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus after meals. Other potential causes include pancreatitis, food intolerances, eating too quickly, or consuming fatty, spicy, or acidic foods. The pain's location, timing, and associated symptoms like nausea or bloating help determine the underlying cause. Seek medical evaluation if the pain persists, recurs, or worsens. Get urgent medical help for severe or sudden pain, chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting, repeated vomiting, vomiting blood, black or bloody stools, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pain with fever.