Differential Diagnosis for Vomiting after Eating Food

• Single most likely diagnosis:
  • Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of vomiting after eating, often due to viral or bacterial infections, and can be accompanied by diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
• Other Likely diagnoses:
  • Food poisoning: Similar to gastroenteritis, but specifically implies the ingestion of contaminated food, which can lead to vomiting shortly after consumption.
  • Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, which can be caused by food, alcohol, or medications like NSAIDs, leading to nausea and vomiting.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition that can cause abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements, including vomiting after eating certain foods.
  • Food intolerance: Conditions like lactose intolerance or gluten intolerance can cause vomiting after consuming specific foods.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses:
  • Appendicitis: Although less common, appendicitis can initially present with nausea and vomiting, especially if the appendix is located near the stomach or intestines, and is a surgical emergency.
  • Intestinal obstruction: A blockage in the intestines can cause severe vomiting, especially after eating, and requires immediate medical attention.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be triggered by gallstones or excessive alcohol use, and can cause severe abdominal pain and vomiting.
  • Pyloric stenosis: A narrowing of the pylorus, the opening from the stomach into the small intestine, which can cause projectile vomiting after eating, especially in infants.
• Rare diagnoses:
  • Gastroparesis: A condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, often associated with diabetes, and can cause nausea, vomiting, and feeling full after eating only a small amount of food.
  • Cyclic vomiting syndrome: A disorder characterized by recurring episodes of severe vomiting, often without an identifiable cause, and can be triggered by eating certain foods.
  • Rumination syndrome: A condition where food is regurgitated and then chewed and swallowed again, often accompanied by vomiting, and can be associated with eating disorders or other psychological factors.