Differential Diagnosis for Acute Gastroenteritis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis, often due to norovirus or rotavirus, characterized by sudden onset of diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps, usually self-limiting and resolving within a few days.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial Gastroenteritis: Caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter, presenting with similar symptoms to viral gastroenteritis but potentially more severe and possibly requiring antibiotic treatment.
- Food Poisoning: Resulting from the consumption of contaminated food, symptoms can range from mild to severe and include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, depending on the causative agent.
- Parasitic Gastroenteritis: Less common, caused by parasites like Giardia lamblia, can present with diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and weight loss, often acquired through contaminated water or food.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although not primarily a gastrointestinal infection, appendicitis can present with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, similar to gastroenteritis. Missing this diagnosis can lead to severe consequences, including perforation and peritonitis.
- Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, potentially causing bowel obstruction. It's a medical emergency that can present with abdominal pain, vomiting, and bloody stools, often in children.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Flare: Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can have an acute presentation similar to gastroenteritis. Missing a flare of IBD can lead to significant morbidity if not promptly treated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Toxic Megacolon: A life-threatening condition that can occur in the context of severe gastrointestinal infections or inflammatory bowel disease, characterized by a very inflated colon that can lead to perforation.
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): A rare but serious condition that can follow certain bacterial infections (like E. coli O157:H7), leading to kidney failure and requiring immediate medical attention.
- Cholera: Caused by Vibrio cholerae, characterized by profuse, watery diarrhea, often acquired through contaminated food or water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation.