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Last updated: October 23, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Vomiting and Fever Longer than One Week

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Gastroenteritis: This is often the most common cause of vomiting and fever, especially when the symptoms persist for more than a week. It can be caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Food Poisoning: Similar to gastroenteritis, food poisoning can cause prolonged vomiting and fever, especially if the causative agent is bacterial or parasitic.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can present with chronic gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and fever.
  • Appendicitis: Although appendicitis typically presents acutely, some cases can have a more prolonged course, especially if the appendix is partially obstructed or if the patient has a walled-off appendiceal abscess.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Meningitis: Although less common, meningitis can present with fever and vomiting, and it is crucial to diagnose promptly due to its high morbidity and mortality if left untreated.
  • Septicemia or Bacteremia: Systemic infections can cause fever and vomiting among other symptoms, and early diagnosis is critical for effective treatment.
  • Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine telescopes into another, which can cause intermittent vomiting and fever, and requires urgent medical attention.
  • Obstruction of the Intestine: Whether due to adhesions, hernias, or other causes, intestinal obstruction can lead to severe vomiting and fever, necessitating prompt surgical intervention.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome: A rare condition characterized by recurrent episodes of severe vomiting, which can be accompanied by fever.
  • Chronic Intestinal Pseudo-obstruction: A rare disorder of the intestinal muscles that can cause severe vomiting and fever due to the inability of the intestines to move food through the digestive system properly.
  • Neurological Disorders: Certain neurological conditions, such as brain tumors or Chiari malformation, can cause chronic vomiting and fever, although these are less common presentations.

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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