What Are the Differences between Hunger Pains and Post-Meal Discomfort?

Hunger pain is completely different from fullness pain, with distinct characteristics, timing, and meanings. Both hunger pain and fullness pain are undesirable and require immediate attention through effective treatment. It is important to eat regularly and moderately, avoiding excessive dieting or binge eating to prevent pain exacerbation.

1. Different Characteristics: Hunger pain typically occurs in duodenal ulcer, while fullness pain is associated with gastric ulcer. These two types of pain have distinct features.

2. Different Timing: Both hunger pain and fullness pain manifest as upper abdominal discomfort, such as dull pain, distension, or burning sensation. However, hunger pain occurs when the stomach is empty, typically before or after eating, or during nighttime. Fullness pain, on the other hand, typically emerges within an hour after eating and gradually resolves after one to two hours, recurring after the next meal.

3. Different Meanings: Hunger pain is a typical symptom of duodenal ulcer, while fullness pain is indicative of gastric ulcer. However, the clinical manifestations of duodenal ulcer and gastric ulcer are often not entirely typical, and some patients with chronic gastritis may also experience hunger pain or fullness pain. Therefore, it is not advisable to diagnose specific disease types solely based on hunger pain or fullness pain. Gastroscopy is necessary to determine the nature of gastric lesions.