Differential Diagnosis for Diarrhea
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of diarrhea, often resulting from viral infections such as norovirus or rotavirus, which are highly contagious and can spread through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial gastroenteritis: Caused by bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, or Campylobacter, often from consuming contaminated food or water.
- Food intolerance: Conditions like lactose intolerance can lead to diarrhea after consuming specific foods.
- Medication side effects: Certain medications, such as antibiotics or antacids, can cause diarrhea as a side effect.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition characterized by recurring abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements, including diarrhea.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic diarrhea and require prompt treatment to prevent complications.
- Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection: A bacterial infection that can cause severe diarrhea, especially after antibiotic use.
- Giardiasis: An intestinal infection caused by the Giardia parasite, which can lead to severe diarrhea if left untreated.
- Intestinal obstruction or ischemia: Although less common, these conditions can cause diarrhea and are medical emergencies requiring immediate attention.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Whipple's disease: A rare bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, among other symptoms.
- Tropical sprue: A rare condition affecting the small intestine, leading to chronic diarrhea, often seen in people who have traveled to or lived in tropical areas.
- Microscopic colitis: A condition characterized by inflammation of the colon, leading to chronic diarrhea, which is more common in older adults.
- Carcinoid syndrome: A rare condition caused by a neuroendocrine tumor, which can lead to diarrhea among other symptoms.