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Differential Diagnosis for Diarrhea and Abdominal Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of diarrhea and abdominal pain, often due to norovirus or rotavirus, and is usually self-limiting.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Bacterial Gastroenteritis: Caused by bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, or E. coli, which can lead to more severe symptoms and may require antibiotic treatment.
  • Food Poisoning: Similar to bacterial gastroenteritis but typically related to the consumption of contaminated food.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A chronic condition characterized by recurring abdominal pain and changes in bowel movements, which can include diarrhea.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, which cause chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to symptoms including diarrhea and abdominal pain.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Appendicitis: Although less common, appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt surgical intervention. It typically presents with abdominal pain that migrates to the lower right quadrant, and while diarrhea is not a primary symptom, it can occur.
  • Intussusception: A condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, potentially cutting off blood supply. It's more common in children and can cause severe abdominal pain and diarrhea.
  • Mesenteric Ischemia: A condition where blood flow to the intestines is blocked, leading to tissue death. It's a medical emergency that can present with severe abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malabsorption.
  • Giardiasis: An intestinal infection caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia, which can lead to chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain.
  • Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, causing diarrhea, abdominal pain, and malabsorption.
  • Microscopic Colitis: A condition characterized by inflammation of the colon, leading to chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain, often without visible signs of inflammation on endoscopy.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

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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