Which condition would most commonly present with abdominal distension and vomiting?

Intestinal obstruction is the condition most commonly associated with abdominal distension and vomiting. This is due to the accumulation of intestinal contents, gas, and fluid that cannot pass through a blockage in the intestinal tract. As the obstruction persists, the pressure builds up, leading to abdominal distension. The body attempts to relieve the pressure and clear the obstruction through the process of vomiting. This can often be accompanied by symptoms such as cramping abdominal pain and the inability to pass gas or stool.

In contrast, diverticulitis might present with abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits, but it is less typical to see significant distension and vomiting in an uncomplicated case. Gastric ulcers can lead to gastric outlet obstruction, but this is not the most direct or common presentation, as patients often experience epigastric pain, nausea, or potential upper gastrointestinal bleeding rather than the classic signs of obstruction. Cholecystitis typically presents with right upper quadrant pain, fever, and possibly jaundice, with less focus on abdominal distension and vomiting unless there are complications such as perforation or obstruction related to gallstones.