Differential Diagnosis for Loss of Stool and Abdominal Pain

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

• Gastroenteritis: This is often the most common cause of abdominal pain and loss of stool, typically due to viral or bacterial infections. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and usually include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.

Other Likely Diagnoses

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits, including diarrhea.
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent abdominal pain associated with changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation.
• Food Poisoning: Similar to gastroenteritis, food poisoning can cause sudden onset of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting after consuming contaminated food.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

• Appendicitis: Although it typically presents with right lower quadrant abdominal pain, appendicitis can sometimes cause diarrhea and should be considered due to its potential for severe complications if not promptly treated.
• Intestinal Obstruction: This is a medical emergency that can cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent complications.
• Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the digestive tract can cause severe abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, and potentially life-threatening complications if not treated.

Rare Diagnoses

• Whipple's Disease: A rare, systemic bacterial infection that can cause malabsorption, weight loss, abdominal pain, and changes in bowel habits.
• Giardiasis: An intestinal infection caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia, which can lead to chronic diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and weight loss.
• Celiac Disease: An autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malabsorption.

Each of these diagnoses has distinct features, but they can sometimes present with overlapping symptoms, making a thorough diagnostic workup essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment.