Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: June 16, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for RUQ Pain and Vomiting Bile

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Gallbladder Disease (Cholecystitis or Cholelithiasis): The symptoms of right upper quadrant (RUQ) pain and vomiting bile are classic for gallbladder disease. Gallstones can obstruct the cystic duct, leading to cholecystitis, or the common bile duct, causing jaundice and bile vomiting.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Although GERD typically presents with heartburn and regurgitation, severe cases can lead to bile reflux, causing vomiting of bile.
  • Peptic Ulcer Disease: Peptic ulcers can cause RUQ pain and, if they perforate or obstruct the pylorus, can lead to vomiting, which may contain bile.
  • Viral Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines can cause abdominal pain and vomiting, which may be bile-tinged, especially if the vomiting is severe or prolonged.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Bowel Obstruction: A mechanical obstruction of the small or large intestine can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting (which may be bile-tinged), and constipation. This condition requires prompt surgical intervention.
  • Appendicitis: Although appendicitis typically presents with pain in the lower right quadrant, it can sometimes cause RUQ pain, especially if the appendix is retrocecal. Vomiting may also occur.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain, which may radiate to the back, and vomiting. The pain is often constant and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, which can be bile-tinged.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Biliary Dyskinesia: A motility disorder of the gallbladder and biliary tree that can cause biliary-type abdominal pain and vomiting.
  • Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction: A condition characterized by abnormal function of the sphincter of Oddi, leading to biliary-type pain and potentially vomiting bile.
  • Intestinal Ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the intestines can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and potentially bloody stools. It is a medical emergency.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.