Differential Diagnosis for Fever and Green Diarrhea
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of fever and green diarrhea, often resulting from viral infections such as norovirus or rotavirus. The green color of the diarrhea is typically due to the presence of bile, which is common in gastrointestinal infections.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial Gastroenteritis: Bacteria like Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter can cause fever and diarrhea. The diarrhea may appear green due to the rapid transit of intestinal contents.
- Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated food can lead to fever and green diarrhea, depending on the type of contaminant (bacterial, viral, or parasitic).
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can present with chronic diarrhea, which may be green, along with fever due to inflammation.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Cholera: Although rare in many parts of the world, cholera is a highly infectious disease that can cause severe, watery diarrhea (which may appear green) and fever. It's crucial to consider in travelers to endemic areas or in outbreaks.
- Intestinal Parasites: Certain parasites, such as Giardia, can cause prolonged diarrhea, which may be green, along with fever. Missing this diagnosis could lead to prolonged illness.
- Typhoid Fever: Caused by Salmonella Typhi, this condition presents with fever, headache, and abdominal pain, and can lead to green diarrhea. It's particularly important to consider in travelers to endemic areas.
Rare Diagnoses
- Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea (which may be green), fever, and malabsorption, among other symptoms.
- Lymphocytic Colitis: A type of microscopic colitis that can cause chronic, watery diarrhea (potentially green) and is often associated with chronic inflammation.
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A rare condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to a variety of symptoms including diarrhea and fever.