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Differential Diagnosis for Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of diarrhea and abdominal pain, often due to norovirus or rotavirus, and is usually self-limiting.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Bacterial Gastroenteritis: Caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, or E. coli, which can lead to more severe symptoms and may require antibiotic treatment.
  • Food Poisoning: Resulting from the consumption of contaminated food, which can cause sudden onset of diarrhea and abdominal pain.
  • 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, which are chronic and can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other symptoms.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Appendicitis: Although less common, appendicitis can present with abdominal pain and diarrhea, and if missed, can lead to severe complications.
  • Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into another, which can cause severe abdominal pain and diarrhea, especially in children.
  • Mesenteric Ischemia: A serious condition where the blood flow to the intestines is blocked, which can cause severe abdominal pain and diarrhea.
  • Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the colon, which can cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, causing chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain.
  • Whipple's Disease: A rare bacterial infection that affects the small intestine and can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
  • Giardiasis: An intestinal infection caused by the Giardia parasite, which can lead to chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain.
  • Lactose Intolerance: The inability to digest lactose, leading to bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain after consuming lactose-containing products.

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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