Differential Diagnosis for Vomiting
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Gastroenteritis: This is often the most common cause of vomiting, typically resulting from a viral or bacterial infection that inflames the stomach and intestines, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Food poisoning: Similar to gastroenteritis, food poisoning occurs when food contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or other toxins is consumed, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
- Motion sickness: This condition occurs when the body receives conflicting signals from the senses, causing symptoms like vomiting, dizziness, and nausea, especially during travel by car, boat, plane, or other vehicles.
- Pregnancy-related morning sickness: For women, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy, hormonal changes can lead to nausea and vomiting.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Appendicitis: Although less common, appendicitis can present with vomiting, especially if the appendix ruptures, leading to severe abdominal pain and potentially life-threatening complications if not promptly treated.
- Intestinal obstruction: This is a blockage that prevents normal flow of the products of digestion, which can cause severe vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain, requiring immediate medical attention.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and potentially life-threatening complications if not properly managed.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Brain tumors: Although rare, certain brain tumors can increase intracranial pressure, leading to symptoms like vomiting, especially in the morning.
- Meningitis: An infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can cause vomiting, fever, headache, and stiff neck, requiring urgent medical attention.
- Addison's disease: A rare disorder of the adrenal glands, which can lead to a variety of symptoms including vomiting, due to the deficiency of cortisol and aldosterone hormones.