Early satiety occurs when you are unable to eat a full meal, or you feel very full after eating only a small amount of food. Early satiety is usually caused by gastroparesis, a condition in which your stomach is slow to empty. Other causes of early satiety include:
- An obstruction
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Tumor of the abdominal organs
- Ulcers of the stomach (peptic ulcers)
Symptoms of early satiety include:
- A feeling of fullness after eating very little food
- An inability to consume a normal-sized meal
- Nausea and vomiting when you attempt to eat a normal-sized meal
Tests
Physical Exam
Your GI doctor will do a complete physical exam and gather your health history to diagnose early satiety.
Blood Tests
Your GI doctor may order blood tests to check for anemia (shortage of iron in the blood).
Endoscopy
Your GI doctor may order an endoscopy, a test that examines the esophagus and stomach for abnormalities that might be causing your feelings of fullness.
X-ray
Your GI doctor may order X-rays of your stomach, esophagus, and small intestine to check for what might be causing your early satiety.
Stool Test
A stool test can check for blood in the stool.
Treatments
Diet Modifications
Your GI doctor will likely recommend that you eat a diet that is low in fats, and eat smaller portions, more frequently throughout the day.
Medications
If diet modifications are not enough to treat your early satiety, your GI doctor may prescribe a medication, such as Reglan or Domperidone.
Why Choose UHealth?
A broad array of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Regardless of your age, condition, or whether you need long- or short-term digestive treatments, you will receive the most accurate diagnosis and most effective treatment to keep your stomach, digestive system, and organs healthy.
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