Chronic vomiting in children: new insights into diagnosis

Chronic vomiting disorders with diverse causes are seen in children of all ages and present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to pediatric gastroenterologists. Most patients are diagnosed by history, physical examination, and a basic work-up aimed at excluding obstructive and inflammatory causes. Intractable cases warrant further evaluation for clarification of the diagnosis. This review focuses on the pathophysiology of vomiting and four of the syndromes manifesting as chronic vomiting. It also includes a detailed exploration of the new tools available for evaluation of these syndromes.