Differential Diagnosis for Chronic Nausea
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This is a common condition where stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms. It is often associated with chronic nausea and can be triggered by various factors, including diet and lifestyle.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Peptic ulcer disease: This condition involves the formation of ulcers in the stomach or duodenum, leading to chronic nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract, IBS can cause chronic nausea, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain due to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
- Gastroproping or delayed gastric emptying: This condition involves the slowing down of stomach emptying, leading to chronic nausea, vomiting, and abdominal bloating.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cancer: Certain types of cancer, such as stomach, pancreatic, or ovarian cancer, can cause chronic nausea and vomiting. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment.
- Intra-abdominal ischemia: Reduced blood flow to the abdominal organs can cause chronic nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and requires prompt medical attention.
- Adrenal insufficiency: A rare condition where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, leading to chronic nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.
- Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as chemotherapy, antibiotics, or anticonvulsants, can cause chronic nausea and vomiting as a side effect.
Rare Diagnoses
- Cyclic vomiting syndrome: A rare condition characterized by recurring episodes of severe nausea and vomiting, often with no apparent cause.
- Eosinophilic gastroenteritis: A rare condition involving the accumulation of eosinophils in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to chronic nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Gastropopperal paraganglioma: A rare tumor that can cause chronic nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain due to the release of certain hormones.
- Mitochondrial disorders: Rare genetic disorders that affect the mitochondria, leading to chronic nausea, vomiting, and other systemic symptoms.