Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Pain, Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, often due to viral or bacterial infections. The symptoms presented are classic for this condition, making it the single most likely diagnosis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Food Poisoning: Similar to gastroenteritis, food poisoning can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, usually after consuming contaminated food or drinks.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Although IBS is more chronic, an acute exacerbation could present with these symptoms, especially if triggered by certain foods or stress.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes vomiting, especially during flare-ups.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although less common, appendicitis is a medical emergency that can present with abdominal pain (often starting around the navel and then moving to the lower right abdomen), nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea. Missing this diagnosis can lead to perforation and severe complications.
- Intestinal Obstruction: This condition, which can be caused by various factors including adhesions, hernias, or tumors, presents with severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and obstipation (inability to pass gas or stool). It requires immediate medical attention.
- Mesenteric Ischemia: A condition where blood flow to the intestines is blocked, leading to severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea. It's a medical emergency that can lead to bowel infarction if not promptly treated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and arthralgias. It's rare but should be considered in patients with chronic, unexplained symptoms.
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's more common in patients with a history of atopy or parasitic infections.
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune reaction to gluten, leading to small intestine inflammation and symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malabsorption. While not as rare as some other conditions, it's often underdiagnosed and should be considered, especially in patients with a family history or other autoimmune diseases.