Differential Diagnosis for Reflux Immediately Upon Eating
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is the most common cause of reflux immediately upon eating, often due to a combination of factors such as lower esophageal sphincter (LES) dysfunction, hiatal hernia, or increased intra-abdominal pressure.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Eating too quickly or swallowing air: This can lead to swallowing excessive air, which can cause immediate reflux symptoms.
- Food intolerance (e.g., lactose, gluten): Certain food intolerances can trigger immediate reflux symptoms in susceptible individuals.
- Obstructive sleep apnea: Although more commonly associated with nighttime symptoms, some patients with obstructive sleep apnea may experience reflux immediately after eating due to increased abdominal pressure.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Esophageal stricture or ring: Narrowing of the esophagus can cause immediate reflux symptoms due to obstruction of food passage.
- Esophageal cancer: Although rare, esophageal cancer can present with immediate reflux symptoms, especially if the tumor is located near the gastroesophageal junction.
- Gastric outlet obstruction: Conditions such as pyloric stenosis or gastric cancer can cause immediate reflux symptoms due to obstruction of gastric outflow.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Eosinophilic esophagitis: A chronic inflammatory condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the esophagus, which can cause immediate reflux symptoms, especially in children and young adults.
- Rumination syndrome: A condition characterized by the voluntary or involuntary regurgitation of food, which can cause immediate reflux symptoms.
- Zollinger-Ellison syndrome: A rare condition caused by excessive gastric acid production due to a gastrin-producing tumor, which can cause severe and immediate reflux symptoms.