19/06/2026
1. Classification & Differential Diagnosis
Acute Vomiting (1 Week)
Gastrointestinal:
GERD
Peptic ulcer disease
Chronic pancreatitis
Gastroparesis
Chronic intestinal obstruction
Malabsorption syndromes
Hepatobiliary disease
Extra-Gastrointestinal:
CNS causes (Raised ICP, Tumors)
Endocrine disorders (Addison's, Thyroid)
Pregnancy
Psychogenic
Drugs (e.g., opioids, chemotherapy)
Uremia
2. Clinical Evaluation Workflow
Key History
Onset, duration, frequency
Relation with food
Associated symptoms (pain, fever, headache, vertigo, etc.)
Drug intake / Toxin exposure
Pregnancy status
Past history (DM, HTN, PUD, etc.)
Clinical Examination
General condition, hydration status
Vitals (pulse, BP)
Abdomen (tenderness, distension, masses, bowel sounds)
CNS examination
Look for signs of dehydration, jaundice, meningism
Basic Investigations
CBC (Complete Blood Count)
RBS (Random Blood Sugar)
Urea, Creatinine, Electrolytes
LFT (Liver Function Test)
Urine routine
Pregnancy test (if indicated)
ECG (if drug/toxin suspected)
3. Identifying the Cause (Targeted Workup)
Gastrointestinal: Stool routine, USG Abdomen, Endoscopy (if needed), Amylase / Lipase
CNS Causes: Neurological exam, CT / MRI Brain, Lumbar puncture (if meningitis suspected)
Metabolic / Endocrine: RBS, Ketones, Thyroid function test, Serum Calcium, Na
+
, K
+
, Cortisol (if Addison's suspected)
Pregnancy Related: Urine / Serum β-hCG, Electrolytes, Ketones
Drug / Toxin: Drug history, Toxin screen, Specific levels (e.g., digoxin, theophylline)
4. Management & High-Yield Facts
Management Principles
Treat underlying cause
Correct dehydration and electrolytes
Antiemetics (e.g., Ondansetron, Metoclopramide)
Nutritional support
Reassurance and follow-up
High-Yield Keywords for Exam Recall
Acute vomiting → Gastroenteritis, Food poisoning, DKA, Migraine, Pregnancy
Chronic vomiting → PUD, GERD, Gastroparesis, CNS causes, Pregnancy, Drugs
Core Strategy: Always think GI vs. Extra-GI