Upper Abdominal Pain After Eating – When to Test Your Liver & Pancreas

Reviewed by Dr Lauren Holland • Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
Results within 24 – 42 hours. Westminster residents receive 20% off.

Upper abdominal pain after eating is a common complaint in London. Many people describe sharp pain under the ribs, burning discomfort, heaviness, nausea or tightness soon after meals. These symptoms can come from the stomach, liver, gallbladder or pancreas. While occasional discomfort may be related to certain foods, persistent or severe pain may indicate inflammation, infection, digestive imbalance or blood sugar issues.

Clinically, we see many London patients with upper abdominal pain during stressful work periods, after takeaway meals, or after alcohol intake. Blood tests are often the fastest way to identify whether the liver, pancreas or metabolism is contributing. This guide explains the causes, red flags and the most important tests available at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre.

Why Does Upper Abdominal Pain Happen After Eating?

Upper abdominal discomfort usually develops from irritation or inflammation in the digestive organs.

Common causes include:

Stomach causes

• Acid imbalance
• Gastritis
• H. pylori infection
• Indigestion

Liver and gallbladder causes

• Bile flow issues
• Liver inflammation
• Gallstones
• Fatty liver changes

Pancreas causes

• Pancreatic irritation
• Blocked ducts
• Digestive enzyme imbalance

Metabolic causes

• Blood sugar spikes
• Insulin resistance
• Post-meal fatigue

Symptoms often overlap, so blood tests help refine the cause.

Symptoms That Appear with Upper Abdominal Pain

People report:

• Pain under the right or left ribs
• Burning sensation
• Nausea after meals
• Bloating
• Sudden heaviness
• Fatigue after eating
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Pain radiating to the back
• Shoulder pain on the right
• Pain worse after fatty foods or alcohol

These patterns point to liver or pancreatic involvement.

When Is Upper Abdominal Pain Serious?

Seek urgent review if you experience:

• Sudden severe pain
• Pain radiating to the back
• Persistent vomiting
• Fever or chills
• Yellow skin or eyes
• Black stool
• Chest pressure with abdominal pain
• Severe pain after alcohol
• Pain lasting longer than 24–48 hours

These may indicate gallbladder inflammation or pancreatitis.

Risk Factors for Upper Abdominal Pain in London

You are more likely to develop this symptom if you:

• Drink alcohol regularly
• Eat high-fat or fried meals
• Are under significant stress
• Have low vitamin D
• Take certain medications
• Have a history of gallstones
• Recently had a viral illness
• Have poor sleep
• Eat irregular meals
• Have diabetes or insulin resistance

London lifestyle patterns – long hours, takeaways, alcohol and stress – amplify symptoms.

What Blood Tests Reveal About Liver and Pancreas Function

At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, these tests help identify whether the liver, gallbladder or pancreas is involved.

Liver Function Test (LFT)

Evaluates inflammation and bile flow.

Raised markers may indicate:

• Fatty liver
• Alcohol-related inflammation
• Gallbladder irritation
• Viral liver issues
• Bile duct blockage

Symptoms linked:

• Pain under right ribs
• Nausea after meals
• Pain after alcohol
• Bloating

Pancreatic Enzymes (Amylase & Lipase)

Essential for diagnosing pancreatic irritation.

High levels may indicate:

• Pancreatitis
• Blocked ducts
• Gallstone-related irritation

Symptoms linked:

• Severe upper abdominal pain
• Pain radiating to the back
• Pain after fatty meals
• Pain after alcohol

Full Blood Count (FBC)

Checks for:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Anaemia

Useful when pain is sharp or persistent.

CRP (Inflammation Marker)

Detects acute inflammation in the digestive organs.

HbA1c (Blood Sugar Stability)

Blood sugar swings cause:

• Fatigue after meals
• Bloating
• Nausea
• Upper abdominal heaviness

Useful for patients with symptoms after carbohydrates or large meals.

Vitamin & Mineral Profile

Low D, B12 or magnesium contribute to digestive sluggishness and abdominal discomfort.

Wellness Profile

MDC’s most complete panel, ideal when symptoms are unclear.

Includes:

• Liver
• Kidney
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• HbA1c
• FBC
• CRP

Which MDC Profiles Should You Choose?

Liver Function Profile

Ideal for pain under the right ribs or after fatty meals.

Pancreatic Enzymes (Amylase & Lipase)

Recommended for severe pain or pain radiating to the back.

Wellness Profile

Most complete option for unclear symptoms.

HbA1c

Useful for post-meal fatigue and nausea.

Vitamin & Mineral Profile

Helpful when symptoms appear with fatigue, low energy or weakness.

Symptom-Test Matching Table

FAQs (People Also Ask)

Book Your Digestive Pain Tests at Marylebone Diagnostic Centre

Marylebone Diagnostic Centre
73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
Tel: +44 7495 970109
Open Monday–Saturday, 08:00–16:00

Fast, private and confidential testing with results in 24–42 hours.
Westminster residents receive 20% off.

Quick Links

• Cardiac Profile
• HbA1c Test
• Full Lipid Panel
• Fatigue and Energy Profile
• Kidney Function Test
• Electrolytes Test
• Liver Function Test
• Thyroid Function Test
• Magnesium Test
• Full Blood Count
• Urinalysis & Culture
• Book an Appointment
• ECG Testing
• Wellness Profile
• Pancreatic Profile
• Advanced Sexual Health Panel
• STI Testing London

Read More

• NHS – Gallstones
• NHS – Pancreatitis
• NHS – Liver Disease
• British Liver Trust – Symptoms and Causes
• NICE – Dyspepsia and Upper Abdominal Pain