Differential Diagnosis for Nausea, Vomiting, and Abdominal Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Gastroenteritis: This is often the most common cause of nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, typically resulting from a viral or bacterial infection. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and are often accompanied by diarrhea.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Food Poisoning: Similar to gastroenteritis, food poisoning can cause severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, usually after consuming contaminated food.
• Appendicitis: Although more commonly associated with right lower quadrant pain, appendicitis can initially present with generalized abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, particularly after eating or at night, due to the reflux of stomach acid into the esophagus.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease: Ulcers in the stomach or duodenum can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, especially after eating or at night.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Intestinal Obstruction: A blockage in the intestine can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. This condition requires immediate medical attention.
• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.
• Ectopic Pregnancy: In women of childbearing age, an ectopic pregnancy can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and is a medical emergency.
• Mesenteric Ischemia: A reduction in blood flow to the intestines can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, and requires immediate medical attention.

Rare Diagnoses

• Porphyria: A group of disorders that can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, among other symptoms, due to a buildup of porphyrins in the body.
• Carcinoid Syndrome: A rare condition caused by a neuroendocrine tumor that can produce excessive serotonin, leading to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, although these symptoms can also be seen in more common conditions.
• Adrenal Insufficiency: A rare condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone, which can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, among other symptoms.