Differential Diagnosis for Paediatric Patients with Cough, Runny Nose, Sore Throat, Abdominal Pain, and Diarrhea

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Viral Gastroenteritis: This is the most likely diagnosis given the combination of symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sore throat, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Viral gastroenteritis, often caused by rotavirus, norovirus, or adenovirus, commonly presents with these symptoms in pediatric patients.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Influenza: Influenza can cause a range of symptoms including cough, sore throat, and can be associated with gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea, especially in children.
• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Infection: RSV can cause upper respiratory symptoms like cough and runny nose, and in severe cases, can lead to lower respiratory tract infections. Gastrointestinal symptoms can occasionally occur.
• Adenovirus Infection: Adenovirus can cause a variety of symptoms including respiratory (cough, runny nose, sore throat) and gastrointestinal (abdominal pain, diarrhea).

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Pneumonia: While pneumonia primarily affects the lungs, it can present with abdominal pain due to referred pain or due to pneumonia affecting the lower lobes of the lungs. It's crucial to consider pneumonia, especially if the patient has a high fever, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.
• Appendicitis: Although less common, appendicitis can present with abdominal pain and occasionally with mild respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. Missing appendicitis can lead to severe consequences.
• Intussusception: This is a condition where a part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part, potentially causing bowel obstruction. It can present with abdominal pain, vomiting, and sometimes diarrhea. It's a medical emergency.

Rare Diagnoses

• Yersinia or Salmonella Infection: These bacterial infections can cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain. While less common, they can also be associated with systemic symptoms including fever and occasionally respiratory symptoms.
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can present with chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and occasionally systemic symptoms. However, they are less likely to cause acute respiratory symptoms like cough and runny nose.