Differential Diagnosis for Cap Vomiting
- 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 vomiting, especially after feeding, which could be described as "cap vomiting" due to the appearance of the vomit.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Pyloric stenosis: A condition where the pylorus (the passage between the stomach and small intestine) thickens, causing severe vomiting that can be projectile and may resemble a "cap" due to its force and appearance.
- Overfeeding: Feeding a baby too much can lead to vomiting, which might be described in a similar manner, especially if the baby is not burped properly or is fed in a position that exacerbates reflux.
- Food allergy or intolerance: Allergies to milk proteins or other components in formula can cause vomiting, among other symptoms.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, potentially cutting off blood flow. It's a surgical emergency and can present with vomiting, among other symptoms like abdominal pain and bloody stools.
- Volvulus: A twisting of a portion of the intestines that can cut off blood flow and require immediate surgical intervention. Symptoms can include severe vomiting.
- Inguinal hernia: Though less directly related to vomiting, a hernia can cause intestinal obstruction if the intestine becomes trapped, leading to severe vomiting and abdominal pain.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Congenital anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract: Conditions like esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistula, or duodenal atresia can cause vomiting, though they are less common and often identified shortly after birth.
- Metabolic disorders: Certain metabolic conditions can lead to vomiting among a constellation of other symptoms, though these are relatively rare and often present with additional signs such as developmental delays or seizures.