Differential Diagnosis for 3 Month Old with Cough and Throwing Up
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most likely diagnosis, as viral gastroenteritis is a common illness in infants, characterized by cough, vomiting, and diarrhea, often caused by rotavirus or norovirus.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Acute Bronchiolitis: A common lower respiratory tract infection in infants, caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can lead to cough, wheezing, and vomiting.
- Reflux Esophagitis: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause vomiting and cough in infants, especially after feeding.
- Upper Respiratory Tract Infection: A common cold or upper respiratory tract infection can cause cough, runny nose, and vomiting in infants.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pneumonia: Bacterial pneumonia can be life-threatening in infants and may present with cough, vomiting, and fever.
- Intussusception: A condition where the intestine telescopes into itself, which can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloody stools.
- Congenital Heart Disease: Some congenital heart defects can cause cough, vomiting, and poor feeding in infants.
- Inborn Errors of Metabolism: Certain metabolic disorders, such as pyloric stenosis or metabolic acidosis, can cause vomiting and other symptoms in infants.
Rare Diagnoses
- Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, including cough and vomiting.
- Hirschsprung's Disease: A congenital condition that affects the colon and can cause vomiting, constipation, and abdominal distension.
- Foreign Body Aspiration: Infants can accidentally inhale objects, which can cause cough, choking, and vomiting.
- Congenital Anomalies of the Gastrointestinal Tract: Conditions such as esophageal atresia or tracheoesophageal fistula can cause cough, vomiting, and feeding difficulties in infants.