PERSISTENT NAUSEA AFTER MEALS REVEALS RARE STOMACH CONDITION IN YOUNG WOMAN

Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms often associated with temporary digestive issues. However, in some cases, they may signal more complex or serious underlying conditions. Frequent vomiting can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or even gastrointestinal bleeding, especially when accompanied by symptoms like unexplained weight loss or difficulty swallowing — warranting thorough medical evaluation.

Persistent Nausea After Meals Reveals Rare Stomach Condition In Young Woman

Ms. T., 37 years old, from Ho Chi Minh City, presented to Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital with persistent vomiting after eating. She reported experiencing epigastric pain and nausea following every meal, frequently vomiting almost all ingested food. The vomiting episodes became so severe that she developed facial flushing and petechiae on her neck. Her condition left her physically drained and fearful of eating.

Upon examination and diagnostic workup, the medical team conducted an upper GI endoscopy, which revealed a protrusion at the pyloric canal, suggesting external compression. Gastric X-rays showed a fixed mass at the pylorus across multiple images, and CT scan indicated pyloric wall thickening. Further investigation via endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) confirmed a submucosal tumor at the pyloric canal, obstructing the passage of food and gastric juices from the stomach to the small intestine.

Ms. T. also tested positive for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) — a bacterium commonly linked to gastritis and peptic ulcers — which further contributed to her digestive difficulties.

According to Dr. Vo Dang Son, Specialist Level II – Head of General Surgery at Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital, pyloric stenosis is a syndrome caused by various conditions such as pyloric or duodenal ulcers, gastric cancer, or submucosal tumors like the one in this case. These conditions lead to partial or complete obstruction of gastric emptying into the duodenum. If left untreated, it may cause severe nutritional deficiency, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances due to chronic vomiting.

“Ms. T.’s case is a stark reminder that even younger patients can suffer from serious gastrointestinal diseases, including cancer, which is seeing increasing incidence among younger populations”, Dr. Son added.

Pyloric Stenosis Symptoms

Pyloric stenosis often mimics common digestive issues, but symptoms persist and worsen over time. In early stages, the blockage is partial, and signs may include:

• Early satiety or a feeling of heaviness after eating
• Post-meal vomiting, often within a few hours
• Epigastric pain, especially relieved after vomiting
• Weight loss

In advanced stages, when the pyloric passage is completely blocked, symptoms may include:

• Persistent abdominal bloating and discomfort
• Vomiting undigested food from the previous day
• Vomiting dark, greenish fluid
• Needing to induce vomiting to feel relief

Ms. T. was indicated for laparoscopic distal gastrectomy. During the two-hour minimally invasive surgery, the affected portion of the stomach was removed, and the remaining stomach was anastomosed to the proximal small intestine.

The procedure was successful. Ms. T. resumed eating without nausea and was discharged just one week post-op. Compared to traditional open surgery, laparoscopic surgery offers faster recovery, less pain, and better quality of life. “I’m very grateful to have received the correct diagnosis and compassionate care from the doctors and staff”, Ms. T. shared after recovery.

Dr. Son emphasized the importance of early detection:

“People experiencing persistent epigastric pain, nausea, difficulty swallowing, or painful swallowing should visit a qualified medical facility for endoscopic examination and timely diagnosis. Early intervention prevents severe complications associated with late-stage disease”.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital accepts both public health insurance and private health insurance.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital

No. 88, Street No. 8, Trung Son Residential Area, Binh Hung Commune, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hotline: 18006767

info@nih.com.vn

BRC: No. 0312088602, issued on December 14th, 2012 by the Department of Planning and Investment of Ho Chi Minh City. Medical Examination and Treatment License No. 230/BYT-GPHĐ, issued by the Ministry of Health.