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Last updated: October 22, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Recurrent Vomiting

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - This is a common condition, especially in infants and young children, where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing vomiting.
  • Viral gastroenteritis - Often referred to as the stomach flu, this is a common cause of recurrent vomiting, usually accompanied by diarrhea and abdominal cramps.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Food poisoning - Consuming contaminated food can lead to vomiting, and the recurrent nature could be due to ongoing exposure to the contaminated food source.
  • Motion sickness - For individuals prone to motion sickness, recurrent vomiting can occur with repeated exposure to travel by car, boat, plane, etc.
  • Pregnancy - Morning sickness is a common symptom of early pregnancy, which can include recurrent vomiting.
  • Gastroparesis - A condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, leading to nausea, vomiting, and feeling full after eating only a small amount of food.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Appendicitis - Although vomiting can be a symptom of appendicitis, it's crucial to consider this diagnosis due to the potential for severe complications if not promptly treated.
  • Intestinal obstruction - This is a blockage that prevents the normal flow of the products of digestion, which can lead to severe vomiting and is a medical emergency.
  • Pancreatitis - Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain and vomiting.
  • Meningitis - Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can cause vomiting, especially in children.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Cyclic vomiting syndrome - A rare condition characterized by recurring episodes of severe vomiting, often with no apparent cause.
  • Superior mesenteric artery syndrome - A rare condition where the duodenum (the first part of the small intestine) is compressed between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery, leading to vomiting.
  • Rumination syndrome - A condition where food is regurgitated and then chewed and swallowed again, often accompanied by vomiting.
  • Chiari malformation - A structural defect in the cerebellum that controls balance, which can lead to vomiting among other symptoms, especially if there is an associated syrinx (fluid-filled cavity) in the spinal cord.

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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