Differential Diagnosis for Diarrhea
The differential diagnosis for diarrhea is extensive and can be categorized based on the likelihood and potential impact of missing a diagnosis.
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral gastroenteritis: This is often the most common cause of diarrhea, especially in otherwise healthy individuals. It is usually self-limiting and caused by viruses such as norovirus or rotavirus.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial gastroenteritis: Caused by bacteria like Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter, often related to food or water contamination.
- Food intolerance: Lactose intolerance, fructose malabsorption, or gluten sensitivity (celiac disease) can lead to chronic or recurrent diarrhea.
- Medication-induced diarrhea: Various medications, including antibiotics, can cause diarrhea as a side effect.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements, including diarrhea.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can present with chronic diarrhea and require specific management to prevent complications.
- Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection: A potentially life-threatening condition that can cause severe diarrhea, especially in individuals who have recently used antibiotics.
- Giardiasis: An infection caused by the Giardia parasite, which can lead to severe and prolonged diarrhea if not treated.
- Ischemic bowel disease: Reduced blood flow to the intestines can cause diarrhea among other symptoms, and is a medical emergency.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Microscopic colitis: A condition characterized by inflammation of the colon lining, which can cause chronic, watery diarrhea.
- Whipple's disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, among other symptoms.
- Thyrotoxicosis: Hyperthyroidism can sometimes present with diarrhea as one of its symptoms.
- Carcinoid syndrome: A rare condition caused by a neuroendocrine tumor that can lead to diarrhea, flushing, and other symptoms.
Each of these diagnoses has a different set of risk factors, symptoms, and treatment approaches, highlighting the importance of a thorough medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause of diarrhea.