Differential Diagnosis for Persistent Diarrhea
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of acute diarrhea, and given the duration of 10 days, it's possible that the patient has a prolonged viral infection, such as norovirus or rotavirus, which can cause persistent diarrhea.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial gastroenteritis: Bacteria like Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter can cause persistent diarrhea, especially if the patient has been exposed to contaminated food or water.
- Giardiasis: Giardia lamblia is a parasite that can cause chronic diarrhea, especially in individuals who have traveled to areas with poor sanitation or have been exposed to contaminated water.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause persistent diarrhea, although they typically have other symptoms like abdominal pain, weight loss, and blood in the stool.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): IBS can cause chronic diarrhea, although it's often accompanied by other symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection: C. diff is a bacterium that can cause severe, life-threatening diarrhea, especially in patients who have recently taken antibiotics or have been hospitalized.
- Food poisoning: Certain types of food poisoning, like those caused by E. coli or Listeria, can cause severe, persistent diarrhea and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Intestinal obstruction: Although less common, an intestinal obstruction can cause persistent diarrhea, and it's a medical emergency that requires prompt attention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Microscopic colitis: This is a rare condition that causes chronic diarrhea, often with a watery consistency, and is more common in older adults.
- Whipple's disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and other symptoms.
- Lactose intolerance or other malabsorptive disorders: Although not typically life-threatening, these conditions can cause persistent diarrhea in individuals who are unable to absorb certain nutrients.
- Tropical sprue: A rare condition that causes chronic diarrhea, typically in individuals who have traveled to or live in tropical regions.