Differential Diagnosis for a 9-Year-Old Boy Who Eats Plenty but is Always Sick
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition is characterized by the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It's a common issue in children and can be exacerbated by eating habits.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A functional gastrointestinal disorder that can cause abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, and nausea, which might fit the description of being "always sick."
- Food Allergies or Intolerances: Conditions where the body reacts to certain foods, leading to a variety of symptoms including gastrointestinal issues, skin rashes, and respiratory problems.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Includes conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, causing malabsorption of nutrients and a range of symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fatigue. Missing this diagnosis could lead to long-term health issues.
- Diabetes Mellitus: Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes can present with symptoms like increased thirst and urination, fatigue, and weight loss, despite increased appetite.
- Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can cause a variety of symptoms including changes in appetite, weight, energy levels, and gastrointestinal function.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Gastroparesis: A condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents, leading to nausea, vomiting, and feeling full after eating only a small amount of food.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A chronic immune system disease in which a type of white blood cell, the eosinophil, builds up in the esophagus in response to an allergen or irritant, leading to difficulty swallowing, food impaction, and heartburn.
- Mitochondrial Disorders: A group of disorders caused by dysfunctional mitochondria, which can affect any number of the body's systems, including the digestive system, leading to a wide range of symptoms.