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Differential Diagnosis for Diarrhea and Stomach Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of diarrhea and stomach pain, often due to norovirus or rotavirus, and is usually self-limiting. The symptoms typically include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and sometimes vomiting.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Food Poisoning: Bacterial or parasitic infections from contaminated food can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting. Common culprits include Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition characterized by recurring abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements, which can include diarrhea.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
  • Lactose Intolerance: The inability to digest lactose can lead to bloating, gas, diarrhea, and stomach cramps after consuming dairy products.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Appendicitis: Although less common, appendicitis can present with abdominal pain and diarrhea. If missed, it can lead to perforation and peritonitis, which are life-threatening.
  • Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody stools. It requires immediate medical attention.
  • Mesenteric Ischemia: A reduction in blood flow to the intestines can cause severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and potentially lead to bowel infarction if not promptly treated.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and malabsorption.
  • Giardiasis: An intestinal infection caused by the Giardia parasite, which can lead to chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and weight loss.
  • Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malabsorption.
  • Tropical Sprue: A rare condition characterized by chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malabsorption, typically acquired in tropical regions.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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