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Differential Diagnosis for UTI with Gastrointestinal Symptoms in a 14-year-old Girl and Boy

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) with systemic symptoms: Although the primary symptoms are gastrointestinal, a UTI can cause systemic symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, especially if the infection has spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis).

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Gastroenteritis: An infection of the stomach and intestines that can cause vomiting, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms. It's possible that the UTI symptoms are coincidental or not yet apparent.
  • Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix can cause nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Although the primary symptom of appendicitis is usually abdominal pain, it can sometimes present with gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated food can cause vomiting, nausea, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Sepsis: A life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection becomes uncontrolled and causes widespread inflammation. A UTI can lead to sepsis if not treated promptly, and gastrointestinal symptoms can be an early sign.
  • Kidney Stone: A blockage in the urinary tract can cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. Although less common in adolescents, it's a critical diagnosis not to miss.
  • Pyclonephritis: An infection of the kidney that can cause systemic symptoms, including gastrointestinal symptoms.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): A rare condition that can occur after a UTI, characterized by anemia, acute kidney failure, and low platelet count. It's more common in children under 5, but can occur in adolescents.
  • Tuberculosis (TB): A rare cause of UTI, especially in immunocompromised individuals. TB can cause a wide range of symptoms, including gastrointestinal symptoms.

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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