Differential Diagnosis for Throw Up, Stomach Pain, and Nausea
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroenteritis: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the combination of symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pain, and nausea, which are commonly seen in viral or bacterial infections of the stomach and intestines.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, especially after eating or at night, due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.
- Peptic Ulcer Disease: Peptic ulcers can cause stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, especially if the ulcer is bleeding or perforated.
- Food Poisoning: Food poisoning can cause sudden onset of vomiting, stomach pain, and nausea after consuming contaminated food or drinks.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause recurring stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, especially in individuals with a history of abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although less likely, appendicitis is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. It can cause stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, especially if the appendix ruptures.
- Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Intestinal Obstruction: Intestinal obstruction can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, and can lead to bowel ischemia and perforation if not treated promptly.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: In women of childbearing age, ectopic pregnancy can cause stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, and is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): IBD, such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, can cause stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, but is less common than other diagnoses.
- Gastric Cancer: Gastric cancer can cause stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, but is relatively rare and usually occurs in older adults with a history of Helicobacter pylori infection or other risk factors.
- Hernia: A hernia can cause stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, especially if the hernia is incarcerated or strangulated.
- Porphyria: Porphyria is a rare genetic disorder that can cause stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, especially during acute attacks.