Differential Diagnosis for Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, often due to norovirus or rotavirus, and is highly contagious. The symptoms typically resolve on their own within a few days.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Food Poisoning: Bacterial infections from contaminated food can cause these symptoms, with common culprits including Salmonella, E. coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. The onset of symptoms can vary depending on the bacteria.
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): While more commonly associated with heartburn, severe GERD can lead to nausea and vomiting. Diarrhea is less common but can occur, especially if there's an associated condition like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, among other symptoms, due to inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Appendicitis: Although abdominal pain is the hallmark symptom, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can occur, especially if the appendix ruptures. Missing this diagnosis can lead to severe complications.
- Intestinal Obstruction: This is a medical emergency where the intestine is blocked, which can cause severe vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation. Prompt diagnosis is crucial to prevent tissue death.
- Food Allergy or Intolerance: Severe reactions, such as those to shellfish or peanuts, can cause immediate symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and can be life-threatening if not recognized and treated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune reaction to gluten that can cause chronic diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, among other symptoms, due to damage in the small intestine.
- Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, weight loss, and joint pain, among other symptoms, due to malabsorption.
- Giardiasis: An intestinal infection caused by the Giardia parasite, which can lead to chronic diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or after traveling to certain areas.