Summary
Differentials
Common
- Viral gastroenteritis
- Bacterial gastroenteritis
- Giardiasis
- Migraine
- Motion/travel sickness
- Labyrinthitis
- Concussion (mild traumatic brain injury)
- Meningitis
- Brain tumor
- Hydrocephalus
- Pyloric stenosis
- Intussusception
- Intestinal malrotation
- Small bowel atresia
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Cyclic vomiting
- Gastroparesis
- Constipation
- Functional dyspepsia
- Testicular torsion
- Urinary tract infection
- Nephrolithiasis
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Acute appendicitis
- Acute pancreatitis
- Hepatitis A
- Lactose intolerance
- Food allergy
- Eosinophilic disease
- Bulimia nervosa
- Toxic ingestion
- Medication adverse effects
Uncommon
- Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
- Pseudotumor cerebri (benign intracranial hypertension)
- Superior mesenteric artery syndrome
- Addison disease (primary adrenal insufficiency)
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Protein metabolism disorders
- Carbohydrate metabolism disorders
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
- Hirschsprung disease
- Ovarian torsion
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome
- Ureteropelvic junction obstruction
- Small bowel lymphoma
- Rumination
- Factitious disorder
- Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome
- Otitis media
- Pneumonia
Contributors
Authors
John E. Fortunato, MD

Professor of Pediatrics
Neurointestinal and Motility Program Director
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Chicago
IL
Disclosures
JEF declares that he has no competing interests.
Acknowledgements
Dr John E. Fortunato would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Mary K. Rogers Boruta and Dr Roberto A. Gomez-Suarez, previous contributors to this topic. MKRB is a consultant for Medspira on pediatric integration for anorectal manometry by assisting with training providers on device use, for which she receives no compensation. There is no contractual agreement to disseminate product information. RAG-S declares that he has no competing interests.
Peer reviewers
David A. Bergman, MD
Associate Professor
Division of General Pediatrics
Stanford School of Medicine
Palo Alto
CA
Disclosures
DAB declares that he has no competing interests.
Prateek D. Wali, MD
Assistant Professor
Pediatric Gastroenterology
Golisano Children's Hospital
Upstate Medical University
Syracuse
NY
Disclosures
PDW declares that he has no competing interests.
Alistair G. Sutcliffe, MB ChB, MD, PhD, FRCP, FRCPCH, PG DIP CT
Reader in General Paediatrics
Honorary Consultant Paediatrician
University College London Hospitals and Great Ormond Street Hospitals
Associate Director
Gap Unit
Institute of Child Health
University College London
London
UK
Disclosures
AGS is developing a project on the use of an antiemesis drug for gastroenteritis but has no other connection with the topic per se.
References
Key articles
American Gastroenterological Association. American Gastroenterological Association medical position statement: nausea and vomiting. Gastroenterology. 2001 Jan;120(1):261-3. Abstract
Li BU, Lefevre F, Chelimsky GG, et al. North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition consensus statement on the diagnosis and management of cyclic vomiting syndrome. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2008 Sep;47(3):379-93. Abstract
Reference articles
A full list of sources referenced in this topic is available to users with access to all of BMJ Best Practice.
Patient information
Celiac disease
Constipation in children
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