Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Pain 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 pain after eating can be due to stomach acid flowing back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and pain.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause abdominal pain that worsens after eating, especially if the ulcer is located in an area that comes into contact with food.
- Food Intolerance: Lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption, or other food intolerances can lead to abdominal pain, bloating, and gas after consuming specific foods.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal pain after eating due to inflammation in the digestive tract.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although less common, appendicitis can present with abdominal pain that worsens after eating, and it requires immediate medical attention to prevent rupture.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the intestines can cause severe abdominal pain after eating, which is a medical emergency.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain that radiates to the back and worsens after eating, especially fatty foods.
Rare Diagnoses
- Gastric Cancer: Abdominal pain after eating can be a symptom of stomach cancer, although this is relatively rare and more common in older adults.
- Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestines can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation after eating, which requires prompt medical attention.
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A rare condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting after eating certain foods.