Summary
Definitions
Etiology
- Stimulation of chemoreceptors situated in the area postrema (medullary structure located in the fourth ventricle of the brain)
- Movement-induced stimulation of the labyrinth
- Irritation or over-distension of the mechanically sensitive vagal afferents in the gastrointestinal tract
- Inflammatory changes causing infection of the gastrointestinal system or other body systems
- Anatomical abnormalities resulting in bowel obstruction
- Functional disorders or malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract
- Neurologic, which can be one of the most ominous causes, particularly in the presence of increased intracranial hypertension or central nervous system infection
- Metabolic or endocrine abnormalities such as diabetic ketoacidosis, adrenal insufficiency, and protein or carbohydrate metabolism disorders
- Urologic/gynecologic or renal, such as gonadal torsion
- Renal, such as hemolytic uremic syndrome and nephrolithiasis
- Psychiatric, such as eating disorders, rumination, or factitious disorder
- Toxic ingestions and adverse effects associated with the use of medications or illicit drugs
Diagnosis
Library
Etiology of nausea and vomiting in children and adolescents grouped according to age
Abdominal x-ray showing fecal impaction in a patient with constipation
Abdominal x-ray showing filled right colon and empty left colon and rectum in a patient with intussusception
Abdominal x-ray showing intestinal malrotation; note the small bowel is located to the right side of the midline
Abdominal x-ray showing small bowel volvulus, a common cause of bilious vomiting
CT abdomen showing small calcification in area of the left ureteral space, which corresponds to the presence of a kidney stone
CT showing increased volume of lateral ventricles secondary to noncommunicating hydrocephalus
CT head showing right parietotemporal brain tumor
Barium enema showing transition zones in patient with Hirschsprung disease
Sitz marker test showing retention of ingested markers in the rectosigmoid region in a patient with constipation
Citations
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