Pasta may contain some ingredients that can trigger certain medical conditions, leading to stomach pain. If you have a known food allergy, you may experience an allergic reaction after eating pasta. Some pasta is made from eggs, wheat and soy, which can cause your stomach to hurt from increased intestinal inflammation. Stomach pain after eating pasta can also be the result of gluten intolerance, or celiac disease. Most pasta contains gluten, a protein found in wheat. People with gluten intolerance will experience various reactions in the digestive system after eating pasta.
Food Allergy
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If you have a food allergy, eating pasta may trigger an allergic reaction. Common allergic ingredients in pasta dishes include wheat, soy, eggs and dairy. If you've been clinically diagnosed with a specific food allergy, read the ingredients on the box of pasta before you eat it. Pasta manufacturers are required by law to disclose the use of any ingredients that the government considers common allergens. If the reaction is related to a food allergy, you will develop other symptoms aside from stomach pain, such as nasal congestion, hives or asthma.
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Gluten Intolerance
Pasta contains gluten unless it is labeled "gluten-free." Eating a small amount of pasta can cause severe stomach pain and other gastric symptoms to develop if you have celiac disease. This digestive condition occurs when your immune system attacks the lining of the small intestines when you consume products that contain gluten. Doctors do not know why this transpires in the immune system, according to MedlinePlus. Avoiding gluten is crucial for long-term digestive health if you are gluten intolerant.
Pasta Sauce
Pasta is commonly served with sauces. Two ingredients in pasta sauces that can cause stomach pain are tomatoes and dairy. Red sauces are made from tomatoes, which can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Sauces that contain milk or cream can cause stomach pain because of an allergic reaction or lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a digestive condition that causes stomach cramping, pain, bloating, gas and diarrhea after consuming dairy products.
Consideration
If you experience pain in your stomach only when you eat pasta, your condition is most likely related to the previous conditions. If you develop pain in your stomach every time you eat, you may have a more serious condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome or Crohn's disease. Talk with a gastroenterologist for a proper diagnosis.
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.