Differential Diagnosis for Vomiting

• Single most likely diagnosis:
  • Gastroenteritis: This is often the most common cause of vomiting, especially in children and young adults, due to its high prevalence and the ease with which gastrointestinal viruses are transmitted.
• Other Likely diagnoses:
  • Food poisoning: Similar to gastroenteritis, food poisoning is a common cause of vomiting, resulting from the consumption of contaminated or spoiled food.
  • Viral gastroenteritis (e.g., norovirus, rotavirus): These viruses are highly contagious and can cause severe vomiting, especially in closed environments like cruise ships, schools, and hospitals.
  • Motion sickness: A common condition that occurs in response to certain motions, such as during travel by car, boat, plane, or other vehicle.
  • Pregnancy-related morning sickness: For women of childbearing age, morning sickness is a classic symptom of early pregnancy.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses:
  • Appendicitis: Although less common, appendicitis can present with vomiting and is a surgical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent perforation and peritonitis.
  • Intestinal obstruction: This condition, which can be caused by various factors including adhesions, hernias, or tumors, is characterized by severe vomiting and abdominal pain, and requires immediate medical attention.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe vomiting, along with abdominal pain, and is a condition that necessitates urgent medical evaluation.
  • Meningitis: While less common, meningitis (inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord) can present with vomiting, especially in children, and is a medical emergency.
• Rare diagnoses:
  • Brain tumors: Certain brain tumors, especially those that increase intracranial pressure, can cause vomiting, often accompanied by other neurological symptoms.
  • Increased intracranial pressure (ICP): Conditions that lead to increased pressure within the skull, such as traumatic brain injury or cerebral edema, can cause vomiting.
  • Porphyrias: A group of rare genetic disorders that can cause a variety of symptoms, including severe vomiting.
  • Cyclic vomiting syndrome: A rare condition characterized by recurring episodes of severe vomiting, often without an identifiable cause.