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Differential Diagnosis for 11-month-old Vomiting Yellow Bile

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition is common in infants and can cause vomiting, which may appear yellow due to bile. The age of the child and the nature of the vomit make GERD a plausible first consideration.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Viral Gastroenteritis: Although more commonly associated with diarrhea, viral gastroenteritis can cause vomiting that may contain bile, especially if the infection involves the upper GI tract.
  • Pyloric Stenosis: Typically presents with projectile vomiting after feeding, which can occasionally appear yellow. However, the classic presentation is with non-bilious vomiting.
  • Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause intestinal obstruction. Vomiting may be bilious, and it's a critical diagnosis to consider due to the potential for complications.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Intestinal Obstruction: Conditions such as volvulus, intussusception, or other mechanical obstructions can cause bilious vomiting and are medical emergencies.
  • Appendicitis: Although less common in infants, appendicitis can present with vomiting and should be considered, especially if there are other symptoms like abdominal pain or fever.
  • Hirschsprung's Disease: A congenital condition affecting the colon that can lead to intestinal obstruction and bilious vomiting.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Biliary Atresia: A rare condition in infants where the bile ducts are absent or blocked, leading to jaundice and potentially bilious vomiting.
  • Congenital Anomalies of the GI Tract: Conditions like duodenal atresia or stenosis can cause bilious vomiting and are usually diagnosed in the neonatal period but could potentially present later.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Although rare in infants, conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting.

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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