Differential Diagnosis for Vomiting after Eating
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition is characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, often triggered by eating, which can lead to vomiting. It's a common condition that affects a significant portion of the population at some point in their lives.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated or spoiled food can lead to vomiting shortly after eating. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and are often accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): While primarily known for causing abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements, some individuals with IBS may experience nausea and vomiting after eating, particularly if certain trigger foods are consumed.
- Gastroparesis: A condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, which can lead to vomiting after eating due to the delayed gastric emptying.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although vomiting is not the most common initial symptom, it can occur, especially if the appendix is located near the stomach or intestine, causing irritation and subsequent vomiting after eating.
- Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestine can cause severe vomiting, especially after eating, as the body tries to expel the blockage. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain and vomiting, which may be triggered or worsened by eating, particularly fatty foods.
Rare Diagnoses
- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by recurring episodes of severe vomiting that have no apparent cause, which can be triggered by eating in some cases.
- Rumination Syndrome: A condition where food is regurgitated and then chewed and swallowed again, which can lead to vomiting after eating due to the repetitive process.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A chronic immune system disease in which a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, builds up in the esophagus in response to an allergen or irritant, leading to difficulty swallowing and vomiting after eating.