Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: September 15, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Abdominal Pain and Diarrhea

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most common cause of abdominal pain and diarrhea, especially given the duration of 10 days. Viral infections such as norovirus or rotavirus are highly contagious and can cause prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Bacterial Gastroenteritis: Bacteria like Salmonella, Shigella, or Campylobacter can cause abdominal pain and diarrhea. The symptoms can last for several days to over a week.
  • Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated food can lead to abdominal pain and diarrhea, often resolving within a few days to a week.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can present with chronic abdominal pain and diarrhea, although the onset might be more gradual.
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A functional disorder that can cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, though it's more chronic in nature.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Appendicitis: Although it typically presents with acute pain, appendicitis can sometimes have a more gradual onset and should be considered, especially if pain is localized to the right lower quadrant.
  • Intestinal Obstruction: Can cause severe abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea, and is a medical emergency.
  • Infectious Colitis: Such as Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection, which can cause severe diarrhea and abdominal pain, particularly in individuals who have recently used antibiotics.
  • Mesenteric Ischemia: A condition where blood flow to the intestines is blocked, leading to severe abdominal pain and potentially diarrhea, which is a medical emergency.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.
  • Giardiasis: An intestinal infection caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia, which can lead to chronic diarrhea and abdominal cramps.
  • Lactose Intolerance or Other Malabsorption Syndromes: Can cause chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain after consuming certain foods.
  • Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, causing chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain among other symptoms.

Related Questions

What is the management approach for a patient with pulmonary edema and large bilateral pleural effusions?
What is the comprehensive care plan for a patient with post-paralysis?
What is the appropriate management for a patient presenting with pulmonary edema, pleural effusions, increasing oxygen requirements, and an elevated White Blood Cell (WBC) count?
How do you differentiate and manage tonic pupil versus third nerve palsy?
What is the initial management for a 25-year-old patient with benign-appearing lymph nodes in the right level zone 1 and 2 regions?
What is the first line of management for patients experiencing derangements with an ileostomy?

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.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question