Meal Symptoms

What are the signs of meal problems?

Meal symptoms is a general term for symptoms that are related to a number of conditions, diseases and disorders. Meal symptoms commonly occur with eating disorders, food allergies and intolerances, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and indigestion. The most common eating disorders are anorexia nervosa and bulimia. Anorexia occurs when a person does not eat enough to maintain good health. Bulimia occurs when a person eats large amounts of food and then purges it with vomiting or laxatives.

A food allergy is an unpleasant reaction to a food ingredient by your immune system, which produces antibodies to fight off the harmful food ingredient. This leads to an allergic reaction. Dairy products, eggs, nuts from trees, peanuts, shellfish, soy, and wheat are common sources of food allergies. Food intolerances occur when a food ingredient irritates your digestive system. Lactose intolerance (the inability to digest dairy products) is a common food intolerance.

Indigestion (dyspepsia) is common among adults. Meal symptoms from indigestion include feeling overly full after a meal, or pain and a burning sensation in your upper abdomen after eating. GERD is a chronic disease of the digestive system in which food or liquids leak back from the stomach into the esophagus. Meal symptoms of GERD include frequent (more than twice a week) heartburn and acid reflux.

Other gastrointestinal conditions, such as gallbladder disease or gallstones, can cause symptoms that are similar to meal symptoms. Gallstones are more common in people over 40, women, and some ethnic groups, such as Native Americans. Fullness or pain on the right side of the abdomen is a common symptom of gallstones that may seem like meal symptoms.

Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you experience severe abdominal pain and symptoms of anaphylaxis (life-threatening allergic reaction), such as swelling of your throat, mouth and lips.

If your meal symptoms are persistent or causes you concern, seek prompt medical care.