Vomiting: Clinical Meaning

Gastritis

Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, commonly caused by H. pylori infection, prolonged NSAID use, or excessive alcohol. It can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term) and may lead to peptic ulcers if untreated.

Peptic Ulcer

Peptic ulcers are open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. H. pylori infection and long-term NSAID use are the most common causes. They cause burning stomach pain, especially when the stomach is empty.

Migraine

Migraine is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, severe headaches often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Attacks can last 4–72 hours and significantly impair daily functioning.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term). Gallstones and heavy alcohol use are the most common causes. It causes severe upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, and vomiting.

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, usually caused by gallstones blocking the bile duct. It causes severe pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Acute cholecystitis often requires surgery.

Gallstones

Gallstones are hardened deposits of digestive fluid that form in the gallbladder. They can range from sand-grain size to golf-ball size. Many are asymptomatic, but when they block a duct they cause severe 'biliary colic' pain in the upper right abdomen.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract. The pain typically starts in the back or side and radiates to the lower abdomen. Increased fluid intake is key to prevention.

Stomach Cancer (Gastric Cancer)

Gastric cancer is more common in East Asia and is strongly associated with H. pylori infection, smoking, and salt-preserved foods. It often presents late with weight loss, early satiety, and abdominal pain.

Brain Tumor

Brain tumors can be primary (arising in the brain) or metastatic (spreading from elsewhere). Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor, causing headaches, seizures, and progressive neurological deficits.

Meningitis

Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord), caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency causing severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, and potentially fatal if untreated.

Encephalitis

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most commonly caused by viral infections (herpes simplex, enteroviruses). It presents with fever, altered consciousness, seizures, and focal neurological deficits; early antiviral treatment is crucial.

Malaria

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes, causing cyclical fever, chills, and anemia. Plasmodium falciparum causes the most severe form; artemisinin-based combination therapy is the first-line treatment.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, and a characteristic skin rash. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe form with bleeding and organ impairment.

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix causing progressive right lower quadrant abdominal pain, nausea, fever, and rebound tenderness. Perforation risk increases with delayed treatment; surgical removal (appendectomy) is standard care.

Norovirus (Stomach Flu)

Norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide, spreading through contaminated food, water, and surfaces. It causes sudden-onset vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps lasting 1-3 days; hydration is the mainstay of treatment.

Salmonellosis

Salmonellosis is a foodborne illness caused by Salmonella bacteria, typically from contaminated poultry, eggs, or raw produce. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps beginning 6-48 hours after exposure; most resolve within a week.

Intestinal Obstruction

Intestinal obstruction is blockage of the small or large bowel, causing abdominal pain, distension, vomiting, and inability to pass gas or stool. Adhesions and hernias are the most common causes; emergency surgery may be required.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is delayed gastric emptying without mechanical obstruction, causing early satiety, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Diabetes is the most common cause; prokinetic medications and dietary modifications are the mainstay of treatment.

Dumping Syndrome

Dumping syndrome occurs after gastric surgery when food moves too quickly from the stomach into the small intestine, causing nausea, diarrhea, sweating, and dizziness after meals. Dietary modifications and slower eating are primary management strategies.

Mesenteric Ischemia

Mesenteric ischemia is inadequate blood supply to the small intestine, causing severe abdominal pain out of proportion to physical findings. Acute mesenteric ischemia is a surgical emergency; chronic forms cause postprandial pain and weight loss.

Trichinellosis

Trichinellosis is caused by Trichinella spiralis larvae encysted in muscle tissue, typically acquired from eating undercooked pork or wild game. It presents with fever, periorbital oedema, and severe myalgia. Treatment includes mebendazole and corticosteroids.

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms typically begin within hours to days of exposure and range from mild discomfort to severe dehydration.

Hypercalcemia

Hypercalcemia is elevated blood calcium, most commonly caused by overactive parathyroid glands or cancer. Symptoms follow the mnemonic 'bones, stones, groans, and psychic moans'.

Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency occurs when adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient cortisol. Primary (Addison's disease) is from adrenal damage; secondary is from pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction.

Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)

Pyelonephritis is bacterial infection of one or both kidneys, usually ascending from a bladder infection. It requires prompt antibiotics to prevent kidney damage and sepsis.

BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)

BPPV is the most common cause of vertigo, caused by displaced calcium crystals in the inner ear. It causes brief but intense vertigo triggered by head position changes, treatable with repositioning maneuvers.

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord caused by viruses. Less severe than bacterial meningitis, most cases resolve without specific treatment.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection caused by the hepatitis A virus, transmitted through contaminated food and water. Unlike hepatitis B and C, it does not cause chronic disease.

Salmonella Infection

Salmonellosis is a common bacterial food poisoning caused by Salmonella bacteria. It typically causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps beginning 12-72 hours after infection.

Food Allergy

Food allergies are immune system reactions that occur after eating a specific food. Even trace amounts can trigger signs and symptoms, including digestive problems, hives, or swollen airways.

Ovarian Torsion

Ovarian torsion is the twisting of an ovary around its supporting ligaments, cutting off its blood supply. It causes sudden, severe pelvic pain and is a gynaecological emergency requiring urgent surgical intervention to preserve the ovary.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening complication of diabetes in which the body produces dangerously high levels of blood acids called ketones. It most commonly affects people with type 1 diabetes and requires emergency treatment.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

Subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding into the subarachnoid space surrounding the brain, most often caused by a ruptured cerebral aneurysm. It classically presents with a sudden, severe thunderclap headache described as the worst headache of life, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and neck stiffness.