Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Vomiting After Meals And Abdominal Distention?
Question: I have been vomiting after meals without any abdominal pain. I do have abdominal distention. If I were to get a CT of abdomen is there a big difference getting one without contrast vs contrast. I am not sure I will be able to drink large volume and keep it down
Sorry, I just realized I did not answer medications tried. I am on zantac and zofran.
Sorry, I just realized I did not answer medications tried. I am on zantac and zofran.
Brief Answer:
Please drink small amounts of oral contrast (20 to 25 ml) every 5 minutes
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. There is a lot of difference in the findings and results derived when we compare CT scan non contrast and contrast. Basically a contrast CT scan gives much more appropriate detail when investigating a patient like having vomiting after meals.
2. In contrast CT scan, images are acquired in the non contrast as well as contrast phase. Oral contrast is given by mouth and delineates the stomach and intestines. Intravenous contrast delineates the path taken by blood, any abnormal areas of increased blood flow and infective processes can be best seen by contrast. Tumors, ulcers, diverticula and polyps in the gastrointestinal tract are best outlined by oral contrast. In contrast CT scan abdomen, oral and intravenous contrast is given to patients. Rectal contrast is required in some patients to outline the large bowel.
3. There are only few condition in which a non contrast CT scan is better than a contrast CT scan like pancreatitis and kidney stones and there is significant pain leading to a suspicion of these conditions. These conditions do not apply to you.
4. CT scan is a safe investigation in present days. Oral contrast is mixed with water or juice and ingested orally. The XXXXXXX used is a non ionic contrast and the chance of a adverse outcome is negligible. In my 10 years of seeing patients undergoing CT scan every day, I have not had any serious emergency at my hospital. One of the concerns with the XXXXXXX injection is an abnormal kidney function test and I guess your kidney function is normal.
5. I have had many patients who are unable to drink large quantities of oral contrast and we help them by asking them to drink 20 to 25 ml (4 to 5 teaspoons) at a time every 5 minutes. Most of my patients tolerate this and are able to get CT scan done with oral and IV contrast.
6. You can take zantac and zofran an hour before you start drinking the oral contrast. This will prevent vomiting and gastritis symptoms.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please drink small amounts of oral contrast (20 to 25 ml) every 5 minutes
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. There is a lot of difference in the findings and results derived when we compare CT scan non contrast and contrast. Basically a contrast CT scan gives much more appropriate detail when investigating a patient like having vomiting after meals.
2. In contrast CT scan, images are acquired in the non contrast as well as contrast phase. Oral contrast is given by mouth and delineates the stomach and intestines. Intravenous contrast delineates the path taken by blood, any abnormal areas of increased blood flow and infective processes can be best seen by contrast. Tumors, ulcers, diverticula and polyps in the gastrointestinal tract are best outlined by oral contrast. In contrast CT scan abdomen, oral and intravenous contrast is given to patients. Rectal contrast is required in some patients to outline the large bowel.
3. There are only few condition in which a non contrast CT scan is better than a contrast CT scan like pancreatitis and kidney stones and there is significant pain leading to a suspicion of these conditions. These conditions do not apply to you.
4. CT scan is a safe investigation in present days. Oral contrast is mixed with water or juice and ingested orally. The XXXXXXX used is a non ionic contrast and the chance of a adverse outcome is negligible. In my 10 years of seeing patients undergoing CT scan every day, I have not had any serious emergency at my hospital. One of the concerns with the XXXXXXX injection is an abnormal kidney function test and I guess your kidney function is normal.
5. I have had many patients who are unable to drink large quantities of oral contrast and we help them by asking them to drink 20 to 25 ml (4 to 5 teaspoons) at a time every 5 minutes. Most of my patients tolerate this and are able to get CT scan done with oral and IV contrast.
6. You can take zantac and zofran an hour before you start drinking the oral contrast. This will prevent vomiting and gastritis symptoms.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
