Persistent Vomiting After Eating: Seeking Answers for Gastrointestinal Issues

Vomiting after eating?

I would like to ask, I always vomit after eating! Sometimes even liquids make me vomit! This has been happening for nearly three years! During this time, I have undergone gastroscopy four times at different hospitals, and the results have consistently shown esophageal abrasions.
Only the first examination mentioned gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The medications prescribed by the doctor have not helped much, and this issue has been troubling me! Because I vomit after eating, I feel hungry if I don't eat.
Recently, I have also experienced symptoms where after eating just a little bit of rice (white rice mixed with bitter tea oil), I feel extremely full and nauseous for the entire day (even after vomiting, I still have these sensations), and I feel like my gastrointestinal tract is not moving well.
Additionally, when I press down on the area near my left rib, I feel a "crackling" sensation, similar to the sound of pressing a plastic bottle.
I am a carrier of hepatitis B.
What specialty should I consult? What further examinations should I undergo to identify the problem? Previous treatments have not improved my condition, and aside from the gastroscopy, no other tests have been conducted.
Thank you!

jc, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2007/11/12

Dr. Cai Mengru reply Family Medicine

Dear Ms.
JC,
Regarding your vomiting issue, it is likely related to a functional gastrointestinal problem, or there may be underlying psychological factors involved (such as anxiety or depression).
You may consider undergoing a barium swallow study in the gastroenterology department to assess gastric emptying.
If the results are inconclusive, I recommend visiting a psychosomatic or psychiatric clinic, as there may be different findings.
Additionally, the sounds you hear when compressing the lower back could likely be due to fecal impaction in the gastrointestinal tract, causing retention of fluids and gas, which may produce audible sounds during compression.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Tsai Meng-Ju
Attending Physician, Family Medicine Department
Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare

Reply Date: 2007/11/12

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a complex and distressing set of gastrointestinal symptoms that have persisted for a significant period. Your history of vomiting after eating, even with liquids, along with the sensation of fullness and discomfort, suggests that there may be an underlying issue that needs to be thoroughly evaluated. Given your previous endoscopies that have indicated esophageal irritation and a diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), it is crucial to consider both the gastrointestinal tract's structural and functional aspects.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that persistent vomiting can be caused by various factors, including but not limited to, mechanical obstructions, motility disorders, or inflammatory conditions. Since you have already undergone multiple endoscopies, it may be beneficial to explore other diagnostic avenues. Here are some recommendations for further evaluation:
1. Gastric Emptying Study: This test assesses how quickly food leaves your stomach. Delayed gastric emptying (gastroparesis) could explain the feelings of fullness and nausea after eating. This condition can sometimes be associated with diabetes or other metabolic disorders.

2. Esophageal Manometry: This test measures the rhythmic muscle contractions in your esophagus when you swallow. It can help identify any motility disorders that may be contributing to your symptoms.

3. 24-hour pH Monitoring: This test measures the acidity in your esophagus over a 24-hour period. It can help determine if acid reflux is occurring and whether it correlates with your symptoms.

4. Abdominal Ultrasound or CT Scan: These imaging studies can help visualize any structural abnormalities in the abdominal organs, including the liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, which could be contributing to your symptoms.

5. Liver Function Tests: Given your history as a hepatitis B carrier, it would be prudent to monitor your liver function. Liver disease can sometimes manifest with gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea and vomiting.

In terms of dietary management, it is crucial to adopt a diet that minimizes irritation to your gastrointestinal tract. Here are some dietary tips that may help:
- Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of three large meals, try eating smaller portions more frequently throughout the day. This can help reduce the burden on your stomach and may alleviate feelings of fullness.

- Avoid Trigger Foods: Identify and avoid foods that exacerbate your symptoms. Common triggers include spicy foods, fatty foods, caffeine, and acidic foods.

- Stay Upright After Eating: Remaining upright for at least two to three hours after meals can help reduce reflux symptoms.

- Hydration: Ensure you are adequately hydrated, but try to drink fluids between meals rather than during meals to prevent overfilling your stomach.

- Gentle Foods: Focus on bland, easy-to-digest foods such as rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet) when you are feeling nauseous.

Lastly, it is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. If your symptoms persist despite dietary changes and medications, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or ask for a referral to a gastroenterologist specializing in motility disorders. Your ongoing symptoms warrant a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment, and it is crucial to find a healthcare provider who will take your concerns seriously and work with you to find a solution.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Post-Meal Vomiting: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor: I have been experiencing headaches since 2011, and starting in April 2012, I began vomiting every time I ate. Initially, I was vomiting white foam, but it progressively worsened, and I ended up vomiting almost all the food I consumed (vomiting started five minutes a...

Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, Miss: The condition is quite complex, and the team of physicians at the medical center will do their best to address each issue, but it requires your long-term patience and cooperation for management. We are currently unable to provide further advice. Wishing you well... C...

Frequent Nausea After Eating: Understanding Gastrointestinal Issues

Experiencing nausea and the urge to vomit frequently after eating, often resulting in dry heaving, along with a reduced appetite and not feeling hungry for several hours, can indicate a gastrointestinal issue. These symptoms have persisted for three to four months, occurring almo...

Dr. Hu Guozheng reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
It is recommended that you seek medical treatment at the Gastroenterology and Hepatology outpatient clinic as soon as possible. Thank you.

Persistent Vomiting After Eating: Possible Causes and Solutions

Doctor, I was hospitalized last month due to gastritis, and I still haven't recovered. My current symptoms include vomiting after eating, coughing with white phlegm, dizziness, and I often vomit due to coughing. What could be the possible causes of my symptoms?

Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: A cold can often cause symptoms of gastroenteritis, such as vomiting and abdominal discomfort. However, if you experience vomiting immediately after eating, along with weight loss and an inability to eat, it may be necessary to consider issues related to the digestive syst...

Persistent Vomiting After Meals: Understanding Possible Causes and Concerns

Doctor, my husband is 33 years old and has been experiencing persistent vomiting, especially right after meals. He doesn't eat much, so I don't think it's due to overeating. This has been going on for nearly two weeks. I accompanied him to see a doctor, but the doc...

Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello, if you have not experienced vomiting in the past and have recently started to do so, it is essential to rule out some organic diseases such as peptic ulcers, pancreatic disorders, liver and biliary diseases, renal failure, intestinal obstruction, etc. Additionally, conditi...