Differential Diagnosis for 15yo Teen with Vomiting and Weight Loss
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Anorexia Nervosa: This is a common condition in teenagers, especially females, characterized by a distorted body image, fear of gaining weight, and restrictive eating patterns, leading to significant weight loss and potentially vomiting.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): GERD can cause vomiting, especially after eating, and if severe, can lead to weight loss due to decreased intake.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic vomiting and weight loss due to malabsorption and decreased appetite.
- Gastritis: Inflammation of the stomach lining can cause vomiting and weight loss if the condition leads to a decrease in food intake.
- Food Intolerance or Allergy: Lactose intolerance, celiac disease, or other food allergies can cause gastrointestinal symptoms including vomiting and weight loss if the offending food is not avoided.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis: Although less common in the context of weight loss and vomiting without other symptoms like polyuria and polydipsia, it's crucial to consider, especially if there's a family history of diabetes.
- Thyroid Disorders: Hyperthyroidism can cause weight loss and vomiting, among other symptoms, and is critical to diagnose due to its impact on metabolism and overall health.
- Addison's Disease: This rare endocrine disorder can cause weight loss, vomiting, and other systemic symptoms, and is life-threatening if not treated.
- Cancer: Although rare in teenagers, certain types of cancer (like brain tumors or leukemia) can present with non-specific symptoms including weight loss and vomiting.
Rare Diagnoses
- Cystic Fibrosis: A genetic disorder that can cause malabsorption leading to weight loss and gastrointestinal symptoms, including vomiting.
- Eosinophilic Esophagitis: An allergic condition causing inflammation of the esophagus, which can lead to vomiting and difficulty swallowing.
- Mitochondrial Disorders: A group of disorders affecting the mitochondria, which can cause a wide range of symptoms including vomiting and weight loss due to muscle and gastrointestinal involvement.
- Whipple's Disease: A rare bacterial infection causing malabsorption, weight loss, and gastrointestinal symptoms.