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Last updated: July 14, 2025View editorial policy

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Differential Diagnosis for Fever, Nausea, Vomiting, and Abdominal Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Gastroenteritis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the combination of fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Gastroenteritis, often caused by viral or bacterial infections, is a common condition that matches all the symptoms described.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Appendicitis: Although it primarily presents with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, fever can also be a symptom. The pain often starts near the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen.
  • Food Poisoning: Similar to gastroenteritis, food poisoning can cause fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, usually after consuming contaminated food or drinks.
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): While UTIs are more common in women, they can cause fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, especially if the infection has moved up to the kidneys (pyelonephritis).

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Perforated Viscus: A hole in the wall of the stomach or intestine can lead to severe abdominal pain, fever, and vomiting. This is a surgical emergency.
  • Ectopic Pregnancy: In women of childbearing age, an ectopic pregnancy can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever if the pregnancy ruptures. This is a life-threatening condition.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. It requires immediate medical attention.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, potentially causing bowel obstruction. It's rare in adults but can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever.
  • Mesenteric Lymphadenitis: Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the mesentery (the tissue that attaches the intestines to the back of the abdominal wall) can mimic appendicitis and cause similar symptoms.
  • Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula (small pouches) in the wall of the colon can cause abdominal pain, fever, and changes in bowel habits, though nausea and vomiting are less common.

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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