Differential Diagnosis for Explosive Diarrhea for 3 Weeks
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): This includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which are known for causing chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. The explosive nature of the diarrhea could be indicative of a significant inflammatory process.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): Although IBS is more commonly associated with alternating patterns of diarrhea and constipation, some patients may experience persistent diarrhea. The explosive nature could be due to the rapid transit of stool through the colon.
- Infectious gastroenteritis: Certain bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can cause prolonged diarrhea. The explosive nature might suggest a significant infection or a high bacterial load.
- Lactose intolerance or other carbohydrate malabsorption: These conditions can lead to explosive diarrhea due to the osmotic effect of unabsorbed carbohydrates in the colon.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Clostridioides difficile infection: This bacterial infection can cause severe, life-threatening diarrhea and colitis, especially in patients who have recently used antibiotics.
- Giardiasis: Infection with Giardia lamblia can cause prolonged and severe diarrhea, and it's essential to consider this diagnosis, especially in patients with a history of travel or exposure to contaminated water.
- Thyrotoxicosis: Hyperthyroidism can cause diarrhea among other symptoms, and missing this diagnosis could lead to severe complications if left untreated.
- Rare diagnoses
- Whipple's disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and malabsorption.
- VIPoma: A rare pancreatic tumor that secretes vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), leading to severe, watery diarrhea.
- Carcinoid syndrome: A rare condition caused by a neuroendocrine tumor that can produce serotonin, leading to diarrhea among other symptoms.