Differential Diagnosis for Vomiting for 6 Months
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This is a common condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach (esophagus). This backwash (acid reflux) can irritate the lining of the esophagus, causing discomfort. The chronic nature of the vomiting suggests a condition like GERD, which can cause persistent symptoms over months if not properly managed.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Functional Dyspepsia: A term for recurring signs and symptoms of indigestion that have no obvious cause. Symptoms can vary but often include pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen, early satiety, and difficulty swallowing. It's a common condition that could lead to vomiting over a prolonged period.
- Gastroparesis: A condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. This can lead to nausea, vomiting, feeling full after eating only a small amount of food, and other symptoms. It could be a cause of chronic vomiting.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic vomiting among other symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cancer (e.g., Gastric Cancer): Although less common, cancers of the stomach or other parts of the gastrointestinal tract can cause chronic vomiting. It's crucial to rule out these conditions due to their severe implications.
- Obstruction of the Intestine: Any condition that blocks the normal flow of food, fluid, and gas, causing severe vomiting, especially if the obstruction is high in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Neurological Conditions (e.g., Brain Tumors, Increased Intracranial Pressure): Certain neurological conditions can cause chronic vomiting due to increased intracranial pressure or direct effects on the brain's vomiting centers.
Rare Diagnoses
- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by episodes of severe vomiting that have no apparent cause, last for hours or days, and then stop. These episodes can recur at regular intervals.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis or Gastroenteritis: Conditions characterized by the presence of eosinophils in the esophagus or gastrointestinal tract, leading to inflammation and symptoms like vomiting.
- Mitochondrial Neurogastrointestinal Encephalomyopathy (MNGIE): A rare genetic disorder affecting the digestive system and nervous system, causing severe gastrointestinal dysmotility and other systemic symptoms.