Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Discomfort after Eating
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common condition characterized by abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements after eating, often related to food intolerance or sensitivity.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Abdominal discomfort after eating can be due to stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and discomfort.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause abdominal pain after eating, especially if the ulcer is irritated by food or stomach acid.
- Lactose Intolerance: Inability to digest lactose, a sugar found in milk, can lead to abdominal discomfort, bloating, and gas after consuming dairy products.
- Food Intolerance: Intolerance to certain foods like gluten, fructose, or high-FODMAP foods can cause abdominal discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel movements.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute Appendicitis: Although less common, abdominal discomfort after eating can be a symptom of appendicitis, especially if the pain is severe, persistent, and localized to the lower right abdomen.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the intestines can cause severe abdominal pain after eating, and is a medical emergency.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain after eating, especially if the pain radiates to the back.
- Gastric Cancer: Although rare, abdominal discomfort after eating can be a symptom of gastric cancer, especially in older adults or those with a family history.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to react to gluten, leading to abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and malabsorption.
- Crohn's Disease: A type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss after eating.
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A rare condition characterized by inflammation of the stomach and intestines, causing abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting after eating.
- Gastroparesis: A condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, causing abdominal discomfort, nausea, and vomiting after eating.