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Differential Diagnosis for Nausea x 1 Week

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral Gastroenteritis: This is often the most common cause of acute nausea, typically accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, and is usually self-limiting.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Food Poisoning: Similar to viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, often resolving on its own within a few days.
  • Pregnancy: Nausea is a common symptom in early pregnancy, often referred to as morning sickness, although it can occur at any time of day.
  • Medication Side Effect: Many medications can cause nausea as a side effect, including antibiotics, pain relievers, and antidepressants.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause nausea, especially after eating, due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Appendicitis: Although less common, appendicitis can present with nausea and vomiting, and if missed, can lead to severe complications, including perforation and peritonitis.
  • Kidney Stones: Nausea and vomiting can accompany the severe pain of kidney stones, and timely diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management.
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis: In patients with diabetes, nausea and vomiting can be symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition requiring immediate medical attention.
  • Myocardial Infarction: In some cases, especially in women, nausea and vomiting can be symptoms of a heart attack, making prompt recognition critical.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Brain Tumors: Rarely, nausea can be a symptom of a brain tumor, particularly if it affects areas involved in vomiting centers or increases intracranial pressure.
  • Addison's Disease: This rare endocrine disorder can cause nausea among other symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, and changes in skin pigmentation.
  • Porphyrias: A group of rare genetic disorders that can cause acute intermittent porphyria, leading to severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
  • Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea and vomiting, often without an identifiable cause.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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