Differential Diagnosis for Early Satiety
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Early satiety is a common symptom in patients with GERD, likely due to the irritation and inflammation of the esophagus and stomach, leading to a sensation of fullness after eating only a small amount of food.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Functional Dyspepsia: This condition is characterized by recurring signs and symptoms of indigestion that have no obvious cause. Early satiety is one of the key symptoms, along with bloating and discomfort.
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can lead to early satiety, as the stomach's ability to expand and accommodate food is impaired.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause pain and discomfort that leads to early satiety, as eating exacerbates the pain.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Gastric Cancer: Although less common, gastric cancer can present with early satiety, among other symptoms like weight loss and abdominal pain. It's crucial to rule out this diagnosis, especially in high-risk populations or those with alarming symptoms.
- Pancreatic Cancer: Similar to gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer can cause early satiety due to the tumor's location and its impact on the stomach and digestive system.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: This condition, involving insufficient blood flow to the intestines, can lead to abdominal pain after eating and early satiety. It's a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Rare Diagnoses
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A rare condition characterized by the infiltration of eosinophils into the gastrointestinal wall, leading to symptoms that can include early satiety, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
- Scleroderma: This autoimmune disease can affect the gastrointestinal system, leading to esophageal dysmotility and gastric involvement, which may result in early satiety among other symptoms.
- Gastroparesis: A condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, often causing nausea, vomiting, and early satiety. It can be due to various causes, including diabetes, surgery, or certain medications.