Differential Diagnosis for Nausea

• Single most likely diagnosis:
  • Gastroenteritis: This is often the most common cause of nausea, especially if it's accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramps, due to viral or bacterial infections.
• Other Likely diagnoses:
  • Food poisoning: Similar to gastroenteritis, food poisoning from consuming contaminated or spoiled food can lead to nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps.
  • Motion sickness: For individuals who have recently traveled by car, boat, plane, or other vehicles, motion sickness is a common cause of nausea.
  • Pregnancy: Morning sickness is a well-known symptom of early pregnancy, characterized by nausea with or without vomiting.
  • Medication side effects: Many medications can cause nausea as a side effect, including antibiotics, pain relievers, and chemotherapy drugs.
• Do Not Miss diagnoses:
  • Appendicitis: Although less common, appendicitis can initially present with nausea and vomiting before progressing to severe abdominal pain, and missing this diagnosis can lead to serious complications.
  • Kidney stones: Severe pain and nausea can be symptoms of kidney stones, especially if they cause an obstruction.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain and nausea, and it requires immediate medical attention.
  • Heart attack: In some cases, especially in women, a heart attack can present with nausea and vomiting, among other symptoms.
• Rare diagnoses:
  • Migraines: Some individuals experience nausea and vomiting as part of their migraine symptoms.
  • Inner ear disorders: Conditions like labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis can cause vertigo, leading to nausea.
  • Brain tumors: Although very rare, brain tumors can cause nausea and vomiting, especially if they increase intracranial pressure.
  • Endocrine disorders: Certain endocrine conditions, such as adrenal insufficiency or thyroid disorders, can cause nausea among other symptoms.