Differential Diagnosis for Nausea and Vomiting with PO Intake
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition is characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like nausea and vomiting, especially after eating. The absence of diarrhea and the specific trigger of PO intake support this diagnosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroparesis: A condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, often leading to nausea, vomiting, and feeling full after eating only a small amount of food. The symptoms worsen with food intake, fitting the patient's presentation.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause nausea and vomiting, especially after eating, due to the irritation of the ulcer by food and stomach acid.
- Food Poisoning or Gastroenteritis: Although the question mentions the absence of diarrhea, some cases of food poisoning or gastroenteritis can present primarily with nausea and vomiting, especially in the early stages.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although appendicitis typically presents with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, the pain often starts near the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen. Vomiting can occur without diarrhea, and the condition requires urgent surgical intervention.
- Intestinal Obstruction: This is a blockage that prevents the normal flow of the products of digestion, including food, fluid, and gas. It can cause severe vomiting, especially after eating, and is a medical emergency.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe nausea and vomiting, often triggered by eating, especially fatty foods. It is a serious condition that requires prompt medical attention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by recurring episodes of severe vomiting, often without a clear cause. It can be triggered by eating and may not always be accompanied by diarrhea.
- Rumination Syndrome: A condition where food is regurgitated and then chewed and swallowed again. It can lead to nausea and vomiting after eating and is more common in individuals with intellectual disabilities or certain psychiatric conditions.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A chronic immune system disease in which a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, builds up in the esophagus in response to an allergen or irritant. It can cause nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing, especially with certain foods.