Differential Diagnosis for Bright Yellow Spit Up in Newborn
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER): This is the most common cause of spit up in newborns, and the bright yellow color could be due to the presence of bile. GER is a normal physiological condition in infants, where the lower esophageal sphincter is not fully developed, allowing stomach contents to flow back up into the esophagus.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Overfeeding or Foremilk Hindmilk Imbalance: Overfeeding or an imbalance between foremilk and hindmilk can cause excessive spit up, which may appear bright yellow due to the high fat content of hindmilk.
- Lactose Intolerance or Sensitivity: Although rare in newborns, lactose intolerance or sensitivity can cause gastrointestinal upset, leading to bright yellow spit up.
- Pyloric Stenosis: This condition, characterized by a narrowing of the pylorus, can cause projectile vomiting, which may appear bright yellow.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pyloric Stenosis with Gastric Outlet Obstruction: If left untreated, pyloric stenosis can lead to severe dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and even death.
- Intestinal Obstruction: Conditions like intestinal atresia or volvulus can cause bright yellow vomit and require immediate surgical intervention to prevent complications.
- Infectious Gastroenteritis: Bacterial or viral infections can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including bright yellow diarrhea or vomit, and may lead to dehydration and sepsis if not promptly treated.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Biliary Atresia: A rare congenital condition where the bile ducts are blocked, causing bright yellow vomit and requiring prompt surgical intervention.
- Choledochal Cyst: A congenital anomaly of the bile ducts that can cause bright yellow vomit and may lead to complications like cholangitis or pancreatitis if left untreated.
- Congenital Hyperbilirubinemia: A group of rare genetic disorders that affect bilirubin metabolism, causing elevated bilirubin levels and potentially leading to bright yellow vomit.