Abdominal fullness prematurely after meals

• delayed stomach emptying
• gastric outlet obstruction
• decreased stomach distensibility
• irritable bowel syndrome

Note: There may be other causes of early satiety. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for early satiety, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.

Home Care:
Follow your health care provider's recommendations A liquid diet may be helpful. A detailed diet log (recording what was eaten, how much, and when) may be needed.

Call Your Healthcare Provider If:

• this symptom lasts for more than one week.

What to Expect:
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting this symptom in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • When did this symptom begin?
  • How long does each episode last?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there vomiting ?
  • Is there abdominal distention ?
  • Is there excessive gas (flatus) ?
  • Is there a lack of appetite ?
  • Is there abdominal pain ?

The physical examination will include emphasis on the digestive tract.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• blood studies for anemia , such as a CBC and blood differential
• endoscopy ( EGD )
• stool tests for bleeding
• X-rays of the stomach, esophagus, and small intestine ( upper GI and small bowel series )
• stomach emptying studies

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to early satiety to your personal medical record.