Differential Diagnosis for 4-Day Nausea, Chills, Diarrhea, Vomiting, and Reflux
- Single most likely diagnosis:
- Gastroenteritis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the combination of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and chills. The symptoms are consistent with a viral or bacterial infection of the stomach and intestines.
- Other Likely diagnoses:
- Viral gastroenteritis (e.g., norovirus): Similar to gastroenteritis, but specifically caused by a viral infection.
- Food poisoning: The patient's symptoms could be due to consuming contaminated food or drinks.
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining, which could be caused by infection, irritation, or other factors.
- GERD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease): The patient's reflux symptoms, which worsen when lying down, are consistent with GERD.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.):
- Appendicitis: Although less likely, appendicitis can present with nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, and is a medical emergency if not promptly treated.
- Intestinal obstruction: A blockage in the intestines can cause severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation, and requires immediate medical attention.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis): These conditions can cause chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss, and require prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Rare diagnoses:
- Giardiasis: A parasitic infection that can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and weight loss.
- Intussusception: A rare condition where a part of the intestine telescopes into another part, causing bowel obstruction and potentially life-threatening complications.
- Eosinophilic esophagitis: A rare condition characterized by inflammation of the esophagus, which can cause difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, and reflux symptoms.