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Differential Diagnosis for Vomiting and Diarrhea in an Afebrile 5-Week-Old Boy

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of vomiting and diarrhea in infants, often due to rotavirus or norovirus, and typically presents without fever in the early stages.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Overfeeding or Underfeeding: Incorrect feeding techniques or volumes can lead to gastrointestinal upset in infants.
  • Lactose Intolerance: Though less common in infants, especially at this age, it can cause similar symptoms.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Can cause vomiting, especially after feeding, and is common in infants.
  • Infectious Causes Other Than Viral Gastroenteritis: Bacterial infections like Salmonella or E. coli, though less common in this age group without exposure history.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause intermittent vomiting and diarrhea, and is a surgical emergency.
  • Volvolus or Intestinal Obstruction: Conditions that can cause bowel obstruction, leading to severe vomiting and potentially life-threatening if not promptly treated.
  • Congenital Anomalies: Such as pyloric stenosis, which can cause projectile vomiting and is a surgical emergency.
  • Metabolic Disorders: Certain metabolic disorders can present with vomiting and diarrhea, and early diagnosis is crucial for management.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES): A rare condition causing vomiting and diarrhea after ingestion of specific food proteins.
  • Congenital Infections: Such as congenital CMV infection, which can cause gastrointestinal symptoms among other systemic findings.
  • Immunodeficiency: Certain immunodeficiencies can predispose to severe or recurrent gastrointestinal infections.
  • Hirschsprung's Disease: A congenital condition affecting the colon, leading to severe constipation or intestinal obstruction, which can sometimes present with vomiting and diarrhea in the neonatal period.

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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