Differential Diagnosis for Chronic Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Vomiting, and Significant Weight Loss
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and sometimes vomiting due to chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Although IBS can cause chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain, significant weight loss and vomiting are less common, making it less likely but still a consideration.
- Gastrointestinal Infections: Chronic infections such as giardiasis or other parasitic infections can lead to prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Celiac Disease: An autoimmune reaction to gluten can cause chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and significant weight loss if left untreated.
- Lactose Intolerance or Other Food Intolerances: While less likely to cause significant weight loss, these conditions can lead to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy: Although less common, cancers of the stomach, small intestine, or colon can present with chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and significant weight loss. Early diagnosis is crucial for treatment.
- Neuroendocrine Tumors: Certain tumors like carcinoid syndrome can cause chronic diarrhea and weight loss.
- HIV/AIDS: Can present with chronic diarrhea and significant weight loss among other symptoms.
- Thyroid Disorders: Hyperthyroidism can cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal symptoms.
Rare Diagnoses
- Whipple's Disease: A rare bacterial infection that can cause chronic diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
- Short Bowel Syndrome: A condition where a significant portion of the small intestine is missing or not functioning, leading to malabsorption and chronic diarrhea.
- Eosinophilic Gastroenteritis: A rare condition characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Tropical Sprue: A rare condition seen in certain tropical regions, causing chronic diarrhea and malabsorption.