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Differential Diagnosis for Indigestion in a 5-year-old

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of acute vomiting and abdominal pain in children, often accompanied by fever and diarrhea. The presence of a single vomit with food content and abdominal pain, along with the child being otherwise described as "feral" (which might imply irritability or discomfort), aligns with the typical presentation of viral gastroenteritis.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Food Poisoning: This could be a likely cause if the child consumed contaminated food, leading to vomiting and abdominal pain. The history of vomiting food content supports this possibility.
  • Constipation: Although less commonly associated with vomiting, constipation can cause abdominal pain and, in severe cases, lead to vomiting. The mention of "solid feral depositions" could imply constipation, though this interpretation is somewhat unclear.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): This condition can cause indigestion, abdominal pain, and vomiting, especially after eating. However, it's more chronic and might not fully explain the acute presentation.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Appendicitis: Although less common in very young children, appendicitis can present with abdominal pain and vomiting. It's crucial to consider this diagnosis due to the potential for severe consequences if missed.
  • Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, which can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and sometimes currant jelly stool. It's a medical emergency.
  • Pyloric Stenosis: Typically presents in infants but can occasionally be seen in older children, causing projectile vomiting after feeding.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic abdominal pain, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits. They are less common in young children but should be considered in cases of persistent or severe symptoms.
  • Foreign Body Ingestion: If the child has ingested a foreign body, it could cause intestinal obstruction, leading to vomiting and abdominal pain. The history might reveal ingestion of non-food items.

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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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