Differential Diagnosis for Vomit/Stomach Pain in a 7-year-old
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of vomiting and stomach pain in children, often accompanied by diarrhea. The symptoms presented, such as vomiting and stomach pain for 2 days, are typical for this condition.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Food Poisoning: Similar to viral gastroenteritis, food poisoning can cause sudden onset of vomiting and stomach pain, usually after consuming contaminated food or drinks.
- Constipation: Although less commonly associated with vomiting, constipation can cause significant abdominal pain and, in some cases, vomiting, especially if the constipation is severe.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs can present with abdominal pain and vomiting, especially in younger children who may not be able to articulate their symptoms clearly.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although less common in this age group, appendicitis is a surgical emergency that can present with abdominal pain and vomiting. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis to avoid missing a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and sometimes bloody stools. It requires urgent medical attention.
- Pyloric Stenosis: Typically seen in infants, but can occasionally present in older children, causing projectile vomiting and abdominal pain due to narrowing of the pylorus, the passage between the stomach and small intestine.
Rare Diagnoses
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic abdominal pain, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits. While less common, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if symptoms persist or worsen over time.
- Hernias: Either inguinal or umbilical hernias can cause abdominal pain and vomiting if they become incarcerated or strangulated, which is a surgical emergency.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be caused by various factors, including gallstones, certain medications, or genetic conditions. It presents with severe abdominal pain and vomiting.