What Could Cause Stomach Pain and a Feeling of Fullness Without Eating?

Sometimes, our stomach and intestines do not work the way they should, which can cause pain and a feeling of fullness even when we haven't eaten. This might be due to a condition called bloating, where extra gas or air builds up in the gut. When the muscles in the stomach or intestines don’t move food properly, it can leave a feeling of fullness for a long time. Problems like gastroparesis (a slow-emptying stomach) or small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (when too many bacteria grow in the small intestine) can also cause these symptoms. In addition, some people have very sensitive guts, meaning even normal amounts of gas or food can cause discomfort. Doctors look at your symptoms, how long they've lasted, and may use tests to find out the exact cause. Changing diets, medications that help move food along, or other therapies might be suggested to help manage the symptoms.