Certain medical conditions can cause abdominal pain and vomiting. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health or NIH, vomiting is a symptom of a disease and not a disease itself. Many conditions that can cause abdominal pain and vomiting. Although most causes of these symptoms are not life-threatening, abdominal pain and vomiting can signal the presence of a serious underlying health problem.
Salpingitis
Salpingitis can cause abdominal pain and vomiting. According to the Mayo Clinic website, salpingitis, also known as pelvic inflammatory disorder, is characterized by infection of the female reproductive organs. The most common cause of salpingitis is sexually transmitted bacteria that migrate from the vagina to the uterus and upper genital structures. Possible salpingitis-related complications include infertility and ectopic pregnancy or pregnancy outside the uterus. The Mayo Clinic website states that prompt treatment of a sexually transmitted disease can ward off salpingitis. Common signs and symptoms associated with salpingitis include lower abdominal pain, pelvic pain, vomiting, fever, fatigue, diarrhea, painful urination and significant vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor. According to the Mayo Clinic website, multiple partners and a past history of sexually transmitted diseases increases a person's risk for salpingitis.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning or foodborne illness can cause abdominal pain and vomiting. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases--a division of the National Institutes of Health--states that harmful bacteria are the most common cause of foodborne illness, although parasites and viruses can also cause food poisoning. Common signs and symptoms associated with food poisoning include severe abdominal cramps, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, fever and dehydration. According to the NIDDK, certain individuals have a greater risk for food poisoning than others, especially the elderly, the very young, people with compromised immune systems and pregnant women. The NIDDK notes that most cases of food poisoning are mild and can be treated with increased fluid intake, although some cases may require medical intervention.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis can cause abdominal pain and vomiting. According to the Cleveland Clinic--one of the top four hospitals in the United States--gastroenteritis is characterized by inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, which includes the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines. Gastroenteritis can be caused by viral, bacterial or parasitic infections, and a person can become infected by contact with an infected person, by consuming contaminated food and beverages or by using dirty utensils. Common signs and symptoms associated with gastroenteritis include abdominal pain and cramping vomiting, nausea, unexplained weight loss, fever, muscle pain, joint stiffness and loss of bowel control. The Cleveland Clinic states that gastroenteritis causes approximately 5 million to 10 million deaths around the world each year. About 10,000 Americans per year die from gastroenteritis.
