Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Pain with Eating
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: This is a common cause of abdominal pain related to eating, as the pain often worsens with food intake due to increased acid production.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Symptoms can include abdominal pain that worsens with eating, especially after consuming trigger foods.
- Functional Dyspepsia: Characterized by recurring abdominal pain or discomfort that is associated with eating, without an identifiable cause.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): While primarily associated with alterations in bowel habits, some patients with IBS may experience abdominal pain that is triggered or worsened by eating.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute Mesenteric Ischemia: A life-threatening condition that can present with severe abdominal pain out of proportion to physical examination findings, which may be exacerbated by eating due to increased demand for intestinal blood flow.
- Pancreatitis: Can cause severe abdominal pain that may be worsened by eating, especially fatty foods, due to stimulation of the pancreas.
- Gastric Cancer: Although less common, it is crucial not to miss this diagnosis, as early detection significantly improves prognosis. Abdominal pain related to eating can be a symptom.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A rare condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal wall, which can cause abdominal pain related to eating due to food allergies or sensitivities.
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune reaction to gluten, leading to small intestine damage and potentially causing abdominal pain after eating gluten-containing foods.
- Intestinal Obstruction: While not typically associated directly with eating, an obstruction can cause abdominal pain that may seem to worsen with attempts to eat due to increased intestinal contractions against the obstruction.